Hunter was portrayed as an intelligent character who was seen as a womaniser, starting an affair with his bully's mother Tess (Anita Torrance) in 2007.

Storylines around Hunter often saw his relationship with his family strained due to his large ego and career choices throughout adolescence; this included the decision to become a model despite his parents' best wishes.

However, the character was also often involved in relationship storylines, including long running partnerships with Tess, Morgan Braithwaite (Bonnie Soper), Jill Kingsbury (Natalie Medlock) and serial killer Penny Rourke (Carolyn Dando).

The character of Justine Jones had been introduced to the show in 2005 as a vehicle for Australian actress Laurie Foell to enter the soap, having previously made her name on Home and Away.

[2] To accompany the return of Justine, the characters of her husband Callum, daughter Sophie, and son Hunter, were created.

[3] Lee Donoghue was part way through gaining his qualifications from Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School, when he was offered the role of Hunter McKay.

[5] Hunter was written off in the conclusion to his drug addiction storyline, with Donoghue filming his final scenes in December 2011.

Hunter arrived in New Zealand with sister, Sophie (Kimberley Crossman), in December 2006 and instantly got in trouble with airport security, much to parents Callum (Peter Mochrie) and Justine's (Laurie Foell) anger.

In 2008, Hunter used the fake death of Justine (Lucy Wigmore) to guilt Morgan Braithwaite (Bonnie Soper) into a relationship.

His attempts at a career in modelling abruptly ended in 2009 when he realised the huge drug culture in the industry, and he briefly dated nurse Aroha Reed (Geneva Alexander-Marsters) before joining medical school to become a doctor.

In 2010, Hunter briefly dated Tracey Morrison (Sarah Thompson) before getting stabbed with a needle by a drug addict.

Struggling to cope with sobriety, his awaiting trial, and disappointment from Callum, Hunter departed to Hastings to attend rehab in March 2012, finally on good terms with his father.

[15] Producer Steven Zanoski thought the storyline was contemporary, stating; "We have shown that drugs know no socio economic boundaries and even an educated medical student from a wealthy background can fall victim.

[17] The season's final scene portrayed Hunter cradling Jill as Daniel lies in a pool of blood.

[20] Although clean from drugs, Hunter struggled with his father's presence and in March 2012 left for a Hastings rehab for a fresh start.

[21] Donoghue joked about the " breathless girls" and stated that an abusive elder women hit him on the head for his relationship with Tess.