The first episode of The Chase New Zealand airs tonight, as two of the biggest brains in the quiz world prepare to take on Kiwi contestants.
After months of build-up, the four-part special will see sixteen New Zealanders go head-to-head with the same world-class trivia masters who have become household names in the UK and Australia.
Here’s what you need to know ahead of tonight’s episode.
What to expect
The first episode of Chase New Zealand will hit screens at 7.30pm tonight, on TVNZ1 and TVNZ+.
The Kiwi edition of the popular UK show will follow the same format – four contestants will take turns answering rapid-fire quiz questions to build up a cash pot, before facing a professional quizzer, “the Chaser”.
Renowned broadcaster Paul Henry is stepping back into the TVNZ spotlight to front the show, calling it one of the biggest and most challenging productions of his career.
“When you think about how popular The Chase is here, and how much New Zealanders love it, it’s a huge honour to be part of this,” Henry said earlier this year.
The original UK version of the show is one of the most popular programmes on New Zealand television and TVNZ+.
Meet the Chasers
Two of the most formidable minds in the quiz world are taking on Kiwi contestants.
Known for her quick wit, inscrutable demeanour, and one of the most successful win rates of any Chaser, Anne Hegerty – better known as The Governess – is taking on Aotearoa.
Asked why she wanted to be involved in The Chase New Zealand, Hegerty said: “I’ve always known that The Chase is really popular in New Zealand. The one time I went there, I practically got mobbed – it was brilliant. So, I know that New Zealanders love The Chase UK, and I thought, if they want to do their own Chase, then that would be absolutely brilliant, I’d be happy to!”
The Governess has long been a fan favourite Chaser, with her stern, disciplined character fascinating audiences.
In an interview with 1News this weekend, Hegerty said she relishes playing her no-nonsense on-screen persona.
“I love being The Governess,” she said. “It’s a character, but I’m always having great fun doing it.”
Hegerty will be accompanied by one of the most recognisable faces in the Australian quiz world.
Issa Schultz, better known to Australian audiences as The Supernerd, is the Chaser for the second episode in the series.
Schultz usually fronts The Chase Australia, which airs weekdays on TVNZ DUKE, and brings an impressive resume, being a 12-time winner of the Australian Quizzing Championships.
“I’ve played New Zealanders before in international quizzes and they’re very smart,” Schultz said. “So I imagine they’ll give me a bit of a challenge, but hopefully I’ll come out on top.”
While the Kiwi contestants might hold the edge in local knowledge, Hegerty and Schultz bring years of experience, and a deep familiarity with The Chase format, to the table.
How well do the Chasers know New Zealand?
Ahead of the show’s first episode, TVNZ’s Emily Simpson put The Governess and The Supernerd to the test with a quickfire round of New Zealand trivia.
Who is the leader of the NZ First Party?
A no-brainer question for most Kiwis – but not for the Chasers.
“Your Prime Minister is Christopher Luxon, is that right? I have no idea what party he leads, and I don’t know any other parties.”
The Supernerd fared slightly better, offering: “Was there a guy around called Winston Peters or something?”
Which dessert do both Australians and New Zealanders claim as their own?
Both Chasers both provided the correct answer: Pavlova.
Though, The Governess lost a few brownie points by first musing, “Hmmm, what’s a distinctively Australian dessert?”
The Chase New Zealand premieres tonight, 7.30pm on TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+.
