February 16, 2026
Chris Warner is forced to face the past when his lost love Rachel McKenna returns to Shortland Street.
The antics of the engagement party play out - who's hooked up? Who's going to regret it? And who's going to want more?
Is an unaware Chris walking into Rachel's trap? Nazar tries to push on without Monique.
Cindy goes rogue on a wild hunt through the hospital. Emmett's backed into a corner as his tremors worsen.
A mass-casualty event at a summer music festival causes chaos at the hospital.
Libby plays detective over David's dodgy dealings. Sage and Emmett weigh up love.
An avoidant Marty is forced to face his past. Rachel's reappearance places strain on Chris and Selina's relationship.
New surgeon Izzy causes a stir at Shortland Street, while Sage struggles to keep it casual with Cody.
Phil stokes a rivalry when Izzy suggests a challenge. Marty's behaviour rings alarm bells for Maeve.
Phil and Izzy fight for a place in Dr Ropata's surgery, while Chris spars with Marianne.
Chris and Rachel's romantic history becomes hard to ignore. Tensions spike in ED as Emmett denies his deteriorating health.
Chris' past threatens Selina's future. A guilty Nazar recruits Cindy for a secret mission.
Maeve tries to mark a milestone, while Selina kicks off a crusade.
The jury is out for Poppy as Hendrix's trial result is announced. Nazar rages against the Shortland Street gossip machine.
Phil and Izzy settle in for the night shift, while Marty and Nazar saddle up for a big night.
Drew McCaskill returns to Ferndale with grape expectations. A determined Libby sets her sights on fresh romantic prey.
Destabilised by his diagnosis, Emmett tries to prioritise family. Chris wades further into romantic turmoil.
Proximity to Drew forces Phil to wrestle with her feelings. David puts the pressure on Rachel to resolve their Warner problem.
Are Phil and Drew ready to take the plunge? With Emmett away from ED, Poppy prepares to step up.
Crane wastes no time making her presence known in ED. Phil's day off turns into a crash course in parenting.
Chris and Rachel dig their heels in over the new Plastics department. A high-octane incident stops Ash in his tracks.
Boyd gives Drew an ultimatum. Izzy frets that Nazar will discover her secret.
Rachel's up against the wall as David's deadline approaches. Libby throws a Marty Party.
Is Drew ready to choose? Cindy and Ash's dysfunction threatens to overrun ED.
Chris makes a power play to save face. Close quarters force Maeve and Crane into a corner.
Cindy goes behind Ash's back to crack the case. Maeve questions whether she's ready to move on.
The opening of David's new Fertility Clinic has Chris on high alert. Ash has his work cut out for him.
Outmanoeuvred at every turn, Chris struggles for a next step, while Phil grows frustrated.
Poppy is thrown into turmoil when Marianne's condition is revealed. Phil falls foul of Libby's new staff rating system.
Chris grows uncertain of Rachel's plan. Phil's birthday turns to fireworks.
Chris and Rachel take the fight against Kearney to the next level. Phil faces the fallout from her birthday blowup.
Libby can't avoid her problems forever. Selina falls in further with the Fertility Clinic.
Selina reels from David's denial. Phil tries to play nice with Izzy.
Sage's day comes crashing down, while Selina decides to go solo.
The team leap to respond to carnage in the carpark. Vili tries to stoke Marty's fury.
Phil risks it all for an emergency surgery. Chris and Rachel set their sights on Libby.
Emmett's back and wants to have it all, while new surgeon Arlo causes a stir amongst the staff.
Emmett and Crane battle over territory. Chris tries to get through to Selina.
Warner, McKenna, and Kearney stand together. Cody hides his secret.
Chris and Rachel reel from David's arrest. The weight of legacy lies heavy on Izzy.
Chris takes the reins at the embattled Fertility Clinic. Exam day arrives for Phil and Izzy.
Phil and Izzy face the fallout of their missed exam. Maeve grapples with her feelings for Crane.
Monique's back and on a mission. Cody stands his ground with Arlo.
Chris clashes with new Head of Marketing Paul. Monique and Nazar try to face the truth.
Marty and Esther adjust to a new order, while Monique and Nazar go all in.
Paul's latest scheme cuts Chris down to size. Esther goes on the war path.
A mass casualty event rocks the hospital, with Cindy caught in the crossfire.
Chris prepares for battle once more. The clock ticks for Maeve and Crane.
New scrubs are all the rage at the hospital. Selina is delivered a blow.
Chris puts his needs to the side for Selina. Vili's morals are called into question.
FitBurger opening day spells trouble for Paul, Chris, and Rachel. Emmett stages a coup.
Rachel announces her resignation, but there are plenty of loose ends left to tie up.
Chris reels from another romantic failure. Poppy challenges Monique to take action.
Nazar's loss is Marty's gain. Sage has a big call to make.
The reckoning arrives for Marty, Monique, Esther, and Nazar.
The hospital's new CEO is announced. Marty and Monique adjust to a new reality.
Arlo's attack sends shockwaves through the hospital. Sage argues his case with Bonnie.
Monique and Marty need a miracle. Ash and Poppy circle each other in ED.
Esther has a plan to save the baby. New Head of ED Murray ruffles feathers.
Monique is forced to face her fears. Emmett tries to get his family together.
Phil revels in her new power. Chris tries to save a spiralling Cody.
Maeve pays the price for loyalty. Ash must choose who he wants to be.
Vili prepares to take the reins, while Poppy tries to draw a line.
An explosion rocks the hospital, forcing the staff to step up.
New paramedic BJ makes waves in ED. Izzy refuses to take accountability.
Tyler makes a song and dance for Poppy. Vili tries to get back on track.
Sage and Cody go bush. Logan reels from a devastating diagnosis.
Vili takes the blame as Logan goes under the knife. Sage and Cody make a new friend.
Poppy doesn't know where to turn. Phil tries to rise above.
Maeve falls in further with her new flame. The walls close in around Tyler.
It's all on for the inter-hospital netball game against Central, as familiar faces take to the court.
Chris is forced to accept second place. Maeve finds herself tangled in a love triangle.
Vili gets his head in the game. Chris wants what he can't have.
It's a family affair for Tyler. A desperate Poppy struggles for control.
Dr Love is back in the building. Vili feels the pressure from Paul.