Essential Details for Tonight’s Premiere of The Chase NZ
The first episode of *The Chase New Zealand* debuts tonight, featuring two prominent figures from the quiz realm as they face off against Kiwi contestants.
After a prolonged buildup, this four-part special will pit sixteen New Zealanders against renowned trivia experts who are well-established names in the UK and Australia.
Here’s everything you need to know before you tune in tonight.
What to Expect
The initial episode of *The Chase New Zealand* will be broadcast at 7:30 PM tonight, on TVNZ1 and TVNZ+.
This New Zealand version of the popular UK show will maintain the same format, where four competitors answer a series of rapid-fire questions to accumulate a cash prize before facing off against a professional quizzer known as “the Chaser.”
Veteran broadcaster Paul Henry will host the show, calling it one of the most significant and challenging productions of his career. “Given how beloved *The Chase* is here and how much New Zealanders enjoy it, it’s a tremendous honor to be involved,” Henry stated.
The original UK iteration of the show remains one of the most viewed programs on New Zealand television and on TVNZ+.
Meet the Chasers
Two of the most brilliant minds in the quiz sector are stepping up to take on contestants from New Zealand.
The Chase’s Anne Hegerty, known as The Governess. (Source: Supplied)
Renowned for her sharp wit and impressive success rate as a Chaser, Anne Hegerty, famously known as The Governess, is ready to challenge contestants in Aotearoa.
When asked about her excitement for *The Chase New Zealand*, Hegerty shared, “I’ve always been aware of how popular *The Chase* is in New Zealand. When I visited once, I was practically mobbed – it was fantastic. I know New Zealanders adore *The Chase UK*, and I thought if they want to create their own version, that would be brilliant; I’d be thrilled to be involved!”
The Governess has remained a fan-favorite with her strict persona captivating audiences.
In a recent interview, Hegerty expressed her joy in embodying this character, saying, “I love being The Governess; it’s a character, but I always have a blast portraying it.”
Joining her is another prominent figure from the Australian quiz scene.
Australian Chaser Issa Schultz (Source: Supplied)
Issa Schultz, known in Australia as The Supernerd, will be the Chaser in the second episode of the series.
Having previously hosted *The Chase Australia*, which airs on TVNZ DUKE, Schultz comes with an impressive background, being a twelve-time champion of the Australian Quizzing Championships.
He remarked, “I’ve competed against Kiwis in international quizzes, and they’re very clever. I expect they will test me quite a bit, but I aim to come out on top.”
While Kiwi contestants may excel in local trivia, Hegerty and Schultz possess extensive experience along with a strong understanding of the *The Chase* format.
Schultz and Hegerty with The Chase New Zealand host Paul Henry. (Source: 1News)
How Well Do the Chasers Know New Zealand?
As the premiere approaches, TVNZ’s Emily Simpson quizzed The Governess and The Supernerd in a brief round of New Zealand trivia.
Who is the leader of the NZ First Party?
This is an easy question for most Kiwis, but not for the Chasers.
“Your Prime Minister is Christopher Luxon, is that right? I’m unsure of what party he leads, and I don’t know any other parties,” Hegerty replied.
Schultz added slightly, “Was there a person called Winston Peters?”
Which dessert do both Australians and New Zealanders claim as their own?
Both Chasers managed to get this one right: Pavlova.
Though, Hegerty initially stumbled by wondering aloud, “Hmmm, what’s a distinctively Australian dessert?”
Don’t miss *The Chase New Zealand* tonight at 7:30 PM on TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+.
