The Lead-Up: A Troubled Romance and a Traumatic Birth

Tane and Harper’s relationship has been complicated. While Harper developed genuine feelings for Tane, it became clear that Tane’s desire to be a father to their unborn child, Archie, overshadowed his romantic feelings for Harper. He eventually admitted he wasn’t in love with her, leading to their wedding being called off.

Soon after, Harper endured a traumatic labor experience, going into labor in the bush after Eliza Sherwood deliberately lied about calling an ambulance. After a dramatic rescue by Tane and Levi, Harper gave birth to their son, Archie, but then suffered a severe hemorrhage at the hospital, requiring emergency surgery.

The Crushing Decision: Harper Excludes Tane from Archie’s Life

This is where Tane is truly devastated. In the aftermath of the traumatic birth and her emergency surgery:

• Harper Asks Tane to Leave: When Harper wakes up after her surgery, Tane is by her side, a natural place for the father of her child to be. However, in a shocking and incredibly painful move, Harper asks Tane to leave her hospital room.
• A Desire to Raise Archie Alone: This isn’t just a momentary request. Harper explicitly tells Tane that she intends to raise Archie alone and doesn’t want him involved in their son’s life at all. This cuts Tane to the core.
• The Impact on Tane: Tane is utterly heartbroken by this decision. He had committed to being a father to Archie, even if it meant a loveless marriage with Harper. To be suddenly cut out of his son’s life is a massive blow. He falls into a dark place, struggling to cope with the news and even wondering if Harper’s actions could lead to a bitter custody battle. His friends, like Mackenzie and Cash, notice how deeply affected he is.

A Glimmer of Hope (and Ongoing Issues)

• The Korowai: While Tane is devastated, there’s a moment of breakthrough. Tane sends Archie a beautiful gift: a handwritten letter for his son and a traditional Māori ceremonial cloak (Korowai). When Harper reads Tane’s heartfelt letter, she is moved to tears.
• A Reversal (For Now): Harper’s heart softens, and she invites Tane back to the hospital. When he enters, he sees Archie wearing his Korowai, and Harper apologizes, acknowledging that he should be there with them.
• Unresolved Issues: While this offers a glimmer of hope and allows Tane back into the hospital, the underlying issues between Tane and Harper are far from resolved. Sources indicate that Harper’s feelings of hurt and resentment over Tane’s lack of love for her are still very raw. Co-parenting will be incredibly challenging for them, and they still haven’t properly discussed the exact role Tane will play in Archie’s upbringing in the long term.

So, while Tane gets a temporary reprieve, Harper’s initial, crushing decision to exclude him from Archie’s life is a major blow that he will continue to grapple with as they try to navigate their complex co-parenting relationship.