Quiz: The Chase’s Supernerd and Governess Test Their Knowledge on NZ

The Chase New Zealand begins tomorrow, featuring renowned international quiz stars Anne Hegerty, known as The Governess from the UK, and Issa Schultz, also known as The Supernerd from Australia. But how familiar are they with Aotearoa? Emily Simpson put them to the test with five questions.

What do you ask someone who appears to know everything? Naturally, a question about New Zealand. Despite efforts by various pop stars and sports teams to highlight our nation, many still overlook it entirely.

However, both Hegerty and Schultz are seasoned Chasers preparing to compete on The Chase New Zealand. We posed five queries that any self-respecting Kiwi should be able to answer effortlessly.

As of now, only Hegerty has visited Aotearoa, though Schultz has an advantage, being based in Australia, where New Zealand is passionately followed.

Let’s dive into the questions!

1. The legendary Christchurch schoolgirls Pauline Parker and Juliet Hume starred in which 1994 film?

Schultz appeared uncertain. “Did Anne answer this?”

Indeed, she did.

“Oh, she did? All the pressure’s on… Let’s go with The Piano,” he quipped.

Sorry, Schultz, but the right answer was *Heavenly Creatures*, directed by Peter Jackson. Hegerty answered correctly, while *The Piano* was released in 1993. A good guess, considering the chilling nature of *Heavenly Creatures*, especially since Schultz admitted to being squeamish about such topics, even avoiding classics like *The Godfather*.

Moving on to the next question!

2. Which dessert do both Australians and New Zealanders stake claim to?

Schultz and Hegerty both nailed this one: *Pavlova*.

However, Hegerty lost some points for remarking, “Hmmm, what’s a distinctively Australian dessert?” Ouch! That comment visibly stung.

Let’s move on to the next one. Number three is a breeze for any Kiwi, but what about the rest of the world?

3. Who is the leader of the NZ First Party?

“I don’t know,” admits Hegerty. “Your Prime Minister is Christopher Luxon, right? I have no idea what party he leads.”

Schultz also answered Luxon, but then tapped into his hazy memory and recalled someone named Winston Peters.

There you have it! The scores are now level. On to the next question!

4. What name is Ella Yelich-O’Connor better known by?

“Lorde,” both contestants answer in unison.

It’s a draw at three points each. Now for the final question…

5. What does the Māori word *aroha* mean?

Hegerty seemed puzzled but recalled that “one hour” means family or people.

Close enough; it actually means love, but her answer didn’t count this time.

Schultz was also not sure but, due to his candid previous interview, was given a hint: Aroha is something he’s still looking for in life.

“Love!” he exclaimed.

That’s right! So, The Supernerd triumphs over The Governess, 4-3.

“True, but it was with a hint,” he admitted, clearly pleased.

And, during the quiz, Hegerty even mispronounced Pavlova as “Palova” — a common mistake among New Zealanders.

The scores are clear: Schultz wins this round! The true quiz battles will commence next week.

The Chase New Zealand premieres tomorrow at 7.30 pm on TVNZ 1, and will stream online.