Episode 8027

Extended Summary

Tane and Felicity are outside the Parata house. Felicity is a bit worried about Mackenzie. Tane thinks Kahu will back off now but Felicity is concerned about losing her business partner again when they’re already short-staffed. At the surf club, John is serving a large amount of customers. He brings Mali a drink to thank him for posting the photo online. Xander and Rose come in and they compliment John on the revamp, and also Mali when John says he did the design. Mackenzie comes in and angrily tells Mali not to interfere in her life. Mali looks bewildered.

On the balcony at Salt, Mackenzie talks on the phone to a staffmember who called in sick even though their social media shows they were out clubbing all night, and tells them they’re fired. Mali comes up and tells Mackenzie he would never shame her like that in public. Mackenzie accuses him of talking to Kahu. Mali says he didn’t and not to involve him in her business. Felicity comes up and tries to ask what’s going on. Mackenzie says it’s nothing. Down on the beach, Rose tries to convince Xander to get a job. Xander changes the subject to her flirting with Mali. Rose admits that she’d like to get back with him but says she’d die if she asked him out and he rejected her.

Kirby leads Marilyn to the beach house, dubbing it their new headquarters. She says they need to build a case, getting together people who’ve been affected by Stunning Organics and getting enough public outcry to get them to back down. Marilyn recalls the other brand ambassador and the bad product reviews. Meanwhile, Xander and Rose arrive home in the middle of a good-natured argument. Rose tries to get Bree to back her up that you can’t ask your ex if they’re still into you. Bree is bemused when Xander and Rose explain in unison that they’re talking about Mali. Rose suggests Xander could suss him out but Xander refuses. Bree thinks Rose doesn’t want to be left wondering.

Mackenzie brings Mali a drink as an apology and, after a bit of a pause, he accepts. He says he’s there if she needs someone to talk to. Rose turns up and asks Mali about using up Xander’s surf lessons. Mali agrees to make time. Not long after, the two of them are out on the beach. They make small talk about what happened with Mackenzie and how Xander’s doing. Mali does up Rose’s ankle strap for her. The contact obviously has an effect on her.

Xander turns up at the surf club and asks Tane if there are any jobs going at the gym. Tane says he doesn’t need anyone now Kahu’s working there. John is surprised to hear Xander quit the ambos and suggests he could work as a lifesaver. Xander says he’s trying to avoid life and death. John says he could get him some juice bar shifts and maybe the perfect job is just around the corner.

Up in Salt, Mackenzie is staring blankly at the fridge and Felicity has to remind her she’s getting drinks for a customer. Mackenzie apologies for the way she spoke to Felicity yesterday and also feels bad for what she said to Mali. Tane arrives and Mackenzie asks him about Kahu. Tane admits telling him to give her space and Felicity says they all know what Mackenzie’s like when she’s stressed and grieving. She says they’ll cope if Mackenzie wants to take time off.

Kirby has set up an online forum inviting people to tell their stories about bad experiences with Stunning Organics. Marilyn agrees she could send it to the people who made complaints and Kirby says they can post it on their socials. Marilyn starts to relate her story. Up in Salt, Mackenzie is preparing to put up a sign advertising for help. Felicity suggests an online ad reading “RSA essential and no weirdos.” Xander announces that he’ll take the job, explaining he still has his RSA. Mackenzie recalls he was good at making a cocktail. Felicity agrees to hire him.

Mali and Rose have gone out to sea and are paddling around on the boards. Mali suggests Rose try to stand up on the next wave and directs her to start. Later, the two of them arrive back on the beach, with Rose on something of a high after managing to stand up. Mali says they should do this more often and admits he misses her. Rose kisses him but he immediately pulls back. Both of them are left embarrassed.

Kirby examines the ingredients of the Stunning Organics products and says she hasn’t heard of half of them. Marilyn is stressed that no-one’s responded to the forum yet and thinks Stunning Organics have scared them all into staying silent. She decides to go back to work. Later, at the Diner, Kirby says the page has been shared and shows Marilyn the first comment. Alf comes in and Marilyn quickly pretends to be discussing rosters. After Kirby’s gone, Alf notes he feels like he’s interrupting Marilyn’s conversations and asks what’s going on.

Mackenzie gives Xander last instructions on cocktails and the temperamental chef and says to call her if there’s any issues. Rose turns up and, on learning Xander’s now the bartender, asks him for a strong drink. She rather melodramatically talks about Mali rejecting her and puts her head down on the bar. Xander awkwardly pats her.