Victor Kahu | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Shortland Street character | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Portrayed by | Calvin Tuteao | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Duration | 2000–04 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
First appearance | September 2000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Last appearance | Episode 3140 25 December 2004 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Classification | Former; regular | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Introduced by | Simon Bennett | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Dr. Victor Katea Kahu is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street who was portrayed by Calvin Tuteao from late 2000 to Christmas Day 2004.
Introduced during a period of change in the production of Shortland Street, Victor and his extended family were an increase in both Māori and working class demography; the decision to introduce such a stereotype viewed shamefully by Producers retrospectively. His storylines often emphasised his commitment toward Māori healthcare and he soon became a central character dealing with large story arcs featuring many of the show's large cast. These included helping his girlfriend overcome rape, becoming involved with gangs, being framed for murder twice, launching a euthanasia cover up scandal and discovering his wife was cheating on him with his son. The character departed on Christmas Day 2004 with girlfriend - Donna Heka (Stephanie Tauevihi) following his nephews wedding.
Playing a large part of the soap opera's first few years in the 21st century, the character's storylines and relationships received a generally mixed response. Victor's major romance storyline saw a lukewarm reception with he and Anne's (Emmeline Hawthorne) wedding day receiving praise whereas the coupling itself was criticised.