In Home and Away, Tane (Ethan Browne) and Nikau (Kawakawa Fox-Reo) are reeling after visitng Ari (Rob Kipa-Williams) in remand.
It’s clear he’s not coping well in jail, but refuses to divulge the truth. Nikau is livid.
He wants Chloe to reveal that she killed her father Matthew (James Sweeny), not Ari. But Tane won’t go against Ari’s wishes – and warns that neither should he.
“Nikau is tortured,” Kawakawa tells TV WEEK. “It isn’t a pleasant sight, seeing someone you love in an environment like that.”
Tane teaches Nikau to be a warrior and find the guidance he needs.
(Image: Seven)
At dinner, Mia (Anna Samson) and Tane try to focus on the wedding, but Nikau isn’t interested.
Later, he tells Tane that losing Ari reminds him of his father and he can’t handle it. He wants to leave Summer Bay.
“The trauma of already going through this experience is a lot to handle,” Kawakawa says.
The following morning, Tane tells Nikau to pack his bags. They’re going camping – but it’s no traditional trip.
He then gifts Nikau with a Taiaha, a traditional Māori weapon. It was Nikau’s fathers. Tane will teach him to be a warrior and find the guidance he needs.
At the campground, Tane demonstrates the technique. Nikau, however, has no patience and struggles to master it.
Tane urges him to focus, not all is lost. As time goes on, Nikau begins to find the courage and guidance he’s been searching for.
“The Taiaha sequence hugely impacts Nikau as it is a significant part of who he is as a person,” Kawakawa says.
“Being grounded and reminded of the values that come with it is very empowering and grounds him in a way that he deeply needs.”
Nikau, however, has no patience and struggles to master it.
(Image: Seven)