The "You're not in Guatemala now..." moment (for viewers within New Zealand).

The first of three parts of the first episode of Shortland Street (for viewers within New Zealand).

The second of three parts of the first episode of Shortland Street (for viewers within New Zealand).

The third of three parts of the first episode of Shortland Street (for viewers within New Zealand).

Credits from the first episode of Shortland Street (for viewers within New Zealand).

The "You're not in Guatemala now..." moment (for viewers within New Zealand).

The first of three parts of the first episode of Shortland Street (for viewers within New Zealand).

The second of three parts of the first episode of Shortland Street (for viewers within New Zealand).

The third of three parts of the first episode of Shortland Street (for viewers within New Zealand).

Credits from the first episode of Shortland Street (for viewers within New Zealand).

Shortland Street - First Episode

Television (Full Length Episode) – 1992

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The first episode of Shortland Street starts with a pregnant woman being rushed to the clinic after an accident. Only the doctors are all missing. Visiting doctor Hone Ropata (Temuera Morrison), who is soon to join the team, makes the call to deliver the baby. Head nurse Carrie Burton (Lisa Crittenden) disagrees, and proceeds to mention that Dr Ropata is no longer in Guatemala. This first episode of the five night a week soap screened on 25 May 1992. It would go on to become New Zealand's longest running TV drama (but not our first soap — that was Close to Home).

I tried to reason with him, but he just bulldozed over me and went ahead. You know the last thing I need is any more scandal.
– Chief Nurse Carrie Burton (Lisa Crittenden) to clinic boss Michael McKenna (Paul Gittins), describing Doctor Ropata's insistence on delivering a baby

Key Cast & Crew

Brian Lennane

Director

Caterina De Nave

Producer

Temuera Morrison

As: Doctor Hone Ropata

Wendy Jackson

Writer

Lisa Crittenden

As: Director of Nursing Carrie Burton

Rene Naufahu

As: Paramedic Sam Aleni

See all 42 credits

Produced by

South Pacific Pictures

Source

South Pacific Pictures

Acknowledgements

Made with funding from NZ On Air

More Information

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