Home And Away’s EMOTIONAL KIWI WEDDING
Why Maori actor Ethan Browne is so proud of the ceremony
Kiwi actor Ethan Browne is delighted that Maori culture is a big part of his wedding on iconic Aussie soap Home And Away.
After an earlier attempt to tie the knot ended in a fiery car crash, his character Tane Parata marries Felicity Newman, played by Jacqui Purvis, in a traditional affair that includes a kaikaranga (a caller who welcomes guests) and poi dancers.
“It means everything,” says an emotional Ethan. “I’m so grateful to be able to share my culture on a platform like Home And Away. It’s important to learn about different cultures and the way they live their life, and to be able to do that with my culture outside of New Zealand is truly special.” His onscreen bride agrees.
“I was truly touched,” says Jacqui. “To learn from Ethan what the traditions are has been really moving. I also had to say my vows in te reo Maori, so I felt the pressure! I just hope
I did the beautiful language justice.”
The Aussie actress admits she did a lot of preparation to get the vows right. “It was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do, but I had great help around me! As well as sending Ethan and Kawa [Kiwi actor Kawakawa Fox-Reo] voice recordings of my vows to check if they were right, I had a dialect coach teaching me the language on my weekends and in my spare time. After a bit of practice, I started to get the hang of it!”
Ethan, who grew up in Wairoa, is relishing playing Tane after joining the cast in 2020. So far, he has survived being stabbed, poisoned and stalked to become one of the soap’s most popular stars. Not bad, considering it’s his first major acting role since graduating from Sydney’s National Institute of Dramatic Art after giving up his civil-engineering career to pursue his love of acting.
“When you grow up in a place like Wairoa, it’s all about family, culture and small-town living. It’s such an isolated part of New Zealand, with a lot of heart and mana. It may seem impossible to pursue a career such as acting when you come from a small town, but it’s definitely possible!”
Ethan admits that he does get homesick occasionally, particularly since his 14-year-old daughter Aaylah lives here, but he tries to visit whenever he can.
“I love that all my family is close, so I can just pop in to one of their houses to chill and catch up,” he says. “That’s what I miss the most about being away from home.”
Jacqui has never been to New Zealand, but is keen to visit soon. “It’s so inspiring to be around Ethan when he talks about his family and traditions – it’s just really profound and beautiful. I’ve been so lucky to work with Ethan for that reason.”
She hasn’t pinned down exactly where she’d go when she heads to our shores. “But I’d love to get a van and do a road trip. There are so many beautiful places to see and I feel like that would be the best way to do it.” This special 8000th episode of Home And Away screens 6.30pm Monday 10 April on TVNZ 2.