Roimata Ngatai
Encyclopedia
Roimata Ngatai is a fictional character on the New Zealand
soap opera
Shortland Street
. She is portrayed by Shavaughn Ruakere and has been on the soap since January 2011. Initially arriving as a bureau nurse at Shortland Street
, the character's skill allows her to gain a permanent job working in the Emergency Department.
Originally appearing as a short term character and love interest for established character TK Samuels
(Benjamin Mitchell), Ruakere was promoted to a regular character following the writer's realization of the amount of material possible for Roimata. Roimata dated TK and after a failed attempt, married him in an unofficial ceremony. The characters personality is displayed as laid back and nice, but fully committed and hard working. This has caused two key relationships including her friendship with fellow nurse Jill Kingsbury
(Natalie Medlock) and her intense rivalry with TK's ex wife Sarah Potts (Amanda Billing
).
had permanently left the show, while really Roimata was introduced to create a love triangle once Sarah had returned. The character was originally not of Māori descent but Māori adviser, Ngamaru Raerino fought with writers until they wrote the character as a good looking Māori who could speak the native language fluently.
It was announced in January 2011 that the new season of Shortland Street would introduce two new nurses that are best friends. One would be Roimata Ngatai and the other Jill Kingsbury
. It was announced that Roimata would be played by ex What Now? presenter Shavaughn Ruakere and she would be a potential love interest for long serving character TK Samuels
. Ruakere teased this storyline saying; "there is some exciting romance on the cards." After first being signed to 6 months, writers realized the large amount of content they could produce and Ruakere's contract was increased to 12 months. Roimata made her first appearance on 26 January 2011 with her first line being: "Kia Ora, I'm from the bureau"
(Benjamin Mitchell) is instantly attracted to her and flirts with her. Roimata at first ignores him, but soon the two start dating and Roimata declares she is in love. However in March TK's estranged wife Sarah (Amanda Billing
) arrives, pregnant with his child.
Roimata begins to feel she is losing TK and warns Sarah off. In May, Roimata and TK get engaged despite Sarah and TK still being legally married. On the big day, Roimata is devastated to learn TK has ditched her to help Sarah give birth. Despite her overwhelming sadness, she stays with TK, getting married in an unofficial ceremony. After babysitting TK's daughter Tillie (Nalani Rose Tuhae), Roimata finds herself unusually maternal and protective of children.
would be joining the show later in the year as Henare Ngatai, Roimata's father. The character arrived on screen in March and was revealed to be a world class doctor, who left Roimata in his shadow. Henare described his characters relationship with Roimata, saying; "My character is a likeable man whose daughter is the apple of his eye, so he was lovely character to play." It was announced in July that Christina Asher would be arriving as Roimata's mother Ruth, who praised Ruakere's acting saying; "I've known her for years and am pleased to see her develop into a strong actor. That's with my Casting Director's hat on. She's just brilliant. I love her." The two appeared alongside each other in the conclusion to the Winter Season with Roimata suspecting Henare of cheating.
Two cousins of Roimata, Anne and Jen, appeared on screen in uncredited guest appearances in October 2011.
stated that TK and Roimata made a good couple with good chemistry.
Ruakere's co star Christina Asher who portrayed Roimata's mother Ruth in a guest role, enjoyed how the producers had created such a believable Māori family unit, saying; "No need to say that the writers have done a great job in creating a Maori family with some credibility but it is a relief to see this on our favourite soap. They're a reasonably normal family with a few disfunctions."
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
soap opera
Soap opera
A soap opera, sometimes called "soap" for short, is an ongoing, episodic work of dramatic fiction presented in serial format on radio or as television programming. The name soap opera stems from the original dramatic serials broadcast on radio that had soap manufacturers, such as Procter & Gamble,...
Shortland Street
Shortland Street
Shortland Street is a New Zealand prime-time soap opera, first broadcast on Television New Zealand's TV2 on 25 May 1992. It is the country's longest-running drama and soap opera, being broadcast continuously for over 4500 episodes and 19 years, and is one of the most watched television programs in...
. She is portrayed by Shavaughn Ruakere and has been on the soap since January 2011. Initially arriving as a bureau nurse at Shortland Street
Shortland Street Hospital
Shortland Street Hospital is a fictional hospital which is the main setting for the TVNZ soap opera Shortland Street...
, the character's skill allows her to gain a permanent job working in the Emergency Department.
Originally appearing as a short term character and love interest for established character TK Samuels
TK Samuels
Te Koha 'TK' Samuels is a fictional character in New Zealand's longest running soap opera Shortland Street, played by actor Benjamin Mitchell since early 2006.-2006-:...
(Benjamin Mitchell), Ruakere was promoted to a regular character following the writer's realization of the amount of material possible for Roimata. Roimata dated TK and after a failed attempt, married him in an unofficial ceremony. The characters personality is displayed as laid back and nice, but fully committed and hard working. This has caused two key relationships including her friendship with fellow nurse Jill Kingsbury
Jill Kingsbury
Jill Kingsbury is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. She is portrayed by Natalie Medlock and arrived to the show in February 2011 as a potential love interest of Daniel Potts ....
(Natalie Medlock) and her intense rivalry with TK's ex wife Sarah Potts (Amanda Billing
Amanda Billing
Amanda Billing is best known for her role as Doctor Sarah Potts on New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street.-Biography:...
).
Creation and casting
The character was created as part of a ploy in creating the sense SarahSarah Potts (character)
Dr. Sarah Marjorie Potts is a fictional character on the soap opera Shortland Street. She is played by Amanda Billing. First arriving in September 2004, the character has reached the record of one of the longest ever stint's in the soap's history, with only short term breaks every few years.Sarah...
had permanently left the show, while really Roimata was introduced to create a love triangle once Sarah had returned. The character was originally not of Māori descent but Māori adviser, Ngamaru Raerino fought with writers until they wrote the character as a good looking Māori who could speak the native language fluently.
It was announced in January 2011 that the new season of Shortland Street would introduce two new nurses that are best friends. One would be Roimata Ngatai and the other Jill Kingsbury
Jill Kingsbury
Jill Kingsbury is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. She is portrayed by Natalie Medlock and arrived to the show in February 2011 as a potential love interest of Daniel Potts ....
. It was announced that Roimata would be played by ex What Now? presenter Shavaughn Ruakere and she would be a potential love interest for long serving character TK Samuels
TK Samuels
Te Koha 'TK' Samuels is a fictional character in New Zealand's longest running soap opera Shortland Street, played by actor Benjamin Mitchell since early 2006.-2006-:...
. Ruakere teased this storyline saying; "there is some exciting romance on the cards." After first being signed to 6 months, writers realized the large amount of content they could produce and Ruakere's contract was increased to 12 months. Roimata made her first appearance on 26 January 2011 with her first line being: "Kia Ora, I'm from the bureau"
2011-
Roimata arrives to ED in January 2011 as a temporary bureau nurse. TK SamuelsTK Samuels
Te Koha 'TK' Samuels is a fictional character in New Zealand's longest running soap opera Shortland Street, played by actor Benjamin Mitchell since early 2006.-2006-:...
(Benjamin Mitchell) is instantly attracted to her and flirts with her. Roimata at first ignores him, but soon the two start dating and Roimata declares she is in love. However in March TK's estranged wife Sarah (Amanda Billing
Amanda Billing
Amanda Billing is best known for her role as Doctor Sarah Potts on New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street.-Biography:...
) arrives, pregnant with his child.
Roimata begins to feel she is losing TK and warns Sarah off. In May, Roimata and TK get engaged despite Sarah and TK still being legally married. On the big day, Roimata is devastated to learn TK has ditched her to help Sarah give birth. Despite her overwhelming sadness, she stays with TK, getting married in an unofficial ceremony. After babysitting TK's daughter Tillie (Nalani Rose Tuhae), Roimata finds herself unusually maternal and protective of children.
Characterisation
The character of Roimata upon arrival was described as "Beautiful, intelligent and intriguing" and Ruakere stated that Roimata has a "Cutting sense of humour". She is further stated as "kind" and "nice" Ruakere also stated that; "Roimata is pretty cheeky and can run rings around anyone who challenges her, she's also got a very strong sense of right and wrong. Once she gets an idea in her head, it's very difficult for anyone to change her mind." She has also been described as a; "sophisticated, intelligent, and caring woman with a sense of humour."Family
It was announced before Roimatas first appearance on the show, that acclaimed actor George HenareGeorge Henare
George Winiata Henare, CNZM, OBE is an acclaimed New Zealand actor with a distinguished career spanning more than three decades.-Biography:In 1988, he was awarded an OBE for Services to Theatre...
would be joining the show later in the year as Henare Ngatai, Roimata's father. The character arrived on screen in March and was revealed to be a world class doctor, who left Roimata in his shadow. Henare described his characters relationship with Roimata, saying; "My character is a likeable man whose daughter is the apple of his eye, so he was lovely character to play." It was announced in July that Christina Asher would be arriving as Roimata's mother Ruth, who praised Ruakere's acting saying; "I've known her for years and am pleased to see her develop into a strong actor. That's with my Casting Director's hat on. She's just brilliant. I love her." The two appeared alongside each other in the conclusion to the Winter Season with Roimata suspecting Henare of cheating.
Two cousins of Roimata, Anne and Jen, appeared on screen in uncredited guest appearances in October 2011.
Reception
Before the characters arrival, it was suggested she was destined to be a popular character due to Ruakere's acting and bubbly personality. Hugh Sundae of The New Zealand Herald stated that "Ruakere seemed to nail it from the first scene. Completely natural and not a trace of that self-awareness newbies often show." Ruakere's co star Amanda BillingAmanda Billing
Amanda Billing is best known for her role as Doctor Sarah Potts on New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street.-Biography:...
stated that TK and Roimata made a good couple with good chemistry.
Ruakere's co star Christina Asher who portrayed Roimata's mother Ruth in a guest role, enjoyed how the producers had created such a believable Māori family unit, saying; "No need to say that the writers have done a great job in creating a Maori family with some credibility but it is a relief to see this on our favourite soap. They're a reasonably normal family with a few disfunctions."