HONE ROPATA

Played by Temuera Morrison, 1992 to 1995, 2008 In the very first episode, his unorthodox delivery of a baby caused head nurse Carrie Burton to declare, “You’re not in Guatemala now, Dr Ropata!” A quarter of a century later, it’s still an iconic Kiwi quote. Fresh from operating in Central America, clinical consultant Hone clashed with hospital staff due to his no-nonsense style and womanising ways. He was once fired for sneaking a refugee into the country and was arrested for murder after punching a gang member dead. He left the hospital to set up a clinic on the East Coast, but returned briefly 13 years later for a short-lived stint as CEO.