Chris Warner
Affectionately referred to by fans and the media as "Dr. Love", Chris made his first appearance in the show's first episode by having an affair with his aerobics instructor. This was an infamous and controversial scene. Portrayed as spoiled and from a wealthy family that inherited the hospital that was founded by his father, the character of Chris was characterised by his patronising and illicit manner; contrasted in a 1994 storyline where he became addicted to morphine. Known primarily for romance storyliness, Chris has been married five times and participated in over 20 romances as well as fathering six children. Chris was the first member of the Warner family to join the show and he was joined by half brother Guy Warner (Craig Parker). In later years, Chris became the patriarch of a family unit made up of his sons Harry (Reid Walker) and Phoenix (Geordie Holibar). Chris has been involved in several high profile and highly rated storylines; including a 1994 car crash, nearly getting murdered by his brother in law Dominic Thompson (Shane Cortese), losing his wife to his drug-addicted brother Guy, and ending up in jail after being framed for murder.
List of Shortland Street characters (1999)
Natasha "Tash" Heremaia (née Munroe) first appeared in a guest role in 1999. Tash was Rangi Heremaia's (Blair Strang) illegitimate daughter whom he looked after when her mother Terry (Pip Hall) proved unsuitable. However, Rangi bought the two a flat and Tash moved out. In 2001 Tash and Terry moved in with Rangi and Donna Heka (Stephanie Tauevihi) when their flat became rundown and she was devastated when Rangi was found dead. She and Terry moved out once again. 2 years later Terry dumped Tash on Donna's doorstep after she got into legal trouble. Tash refused to accept Donna and her partner Chris Warner (Michael Galvin) but eventually was fostered by the two. Tash was manipulated by Dominic Thompson (Shane Cortese) into claiming Chris had molested her, splitting Donna and Chris up. Tash fell into a bad crowd and began to bully Scarlett Valentine (Nicole Thomson). When Tash eventually befriended Scarlett, she too became a target for the bullies. In mid-2004 Terry returned and decided to take Tash over to Australia. Donna interjected but ended up going with the two to start a new life.