Tash Keddy on first crashing into Shortland Street

Web (Extras) – 2017

I have noticed that with sensationalising particular issues also comes a reduction of the natural depth that everyone possesses. I feel strongly that media outlets have a responsibility to not fall into the trap of just picking up and perpetuating clickbait-type stereotypes, as resisting this actively helps grow an environment where discrimination is harder to justify
– Tash Keddy on playing Blue in an NZ Herald Viva interview, 2016

We always seem to be surprising people with our respective complexities, I guess it can be easier for people to just see “gender identity” and not push past that.
– Tash Keddy on playing Blue in an NZ Herald interview, 2016

I think we have always tried to mirror diversity. It's not an issues based show, but we do explore issues through character.
– Shortland Street producer Maxine Fleming in the NZ Herald, ahead of Blue's debut, 12 March 2016

Our most enduring soap opera has created space for important conversations about abortion, drug reform, trans rights and vaccinations, always ensuring to mix weighty and complex social issues together with soapy scandal for half an hour a day, five day a week, for 30 years.
– Website The Spinoff, 27 May 2022