NZ version of The Contender filming shortly - Kiwis vs Aussies

There's going to be a New Zealand version of The Contender made later this year and screening early next year.

Sounds like they're matching Kiwis against Aussies -hope they've got enough quality fighters to make it work.


The Contender now Kiwi reality

by NEIL REID - Sunday News - 12th Sept 2010


A KIWI version of hit reality TV boxing series The Contender will be filmed in Auckland.

The show, to screen early next year, will feature New Zealand boxers taking on Aussie rivals.

Former league greats Matthew Ridge and Steve Price are on a short-list to co-host the series with Australian-based ex-Kiwi model Charlotte Dawson.

Ridge has featured on such reality shows as Celebrity Treasure Island. Popular Queensland-born Price's NRL career was ended by injury earlier this year, but he is understood to want to remain in Auckland.

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...Charlotte Dawson - back for more.


Brian Walsh, executive director of Australian TV network Foxtel, told Sunday News: "I am pleased to announce... a co-production with Sky New Zealand of a trans-Tasman series of The Contender, which will premiere on Fox8 in early 2011."

Sky were last night tight-lipped, with spokesman Tony O'Brien saying: "We have been in talks with Foxtel. And that is all we are prepared to say at this stage."

It is understood the local show is being developed by Great Southern Film and Television, which made The Apprentice New Zealand. Great Southern's managing director Philip Smith refused to comment. But a boxing insider confirmed the series was at the development stage and a talent scout was scouring gyms on both sides of the Tasman to find contenders. It was yet to be confirmed what weight class the New Zealand show would feature.

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...Steve Price - may get a hosting gig.


Weekly "Bledisloe Cup" bouts would be held in a purpose-built venue, and the final held at Auckland's Vector Arena.

The show would be broadcast on Sky subscription channel as well as its free-to-air partner Prime.

A broadcasting industry insider said Sky TV's pending announcement about the local Contender series would detail plans about, "the biggest and best reality TV project made in New Zealand TV history".

"The benefits won't just be some great TV. This show will also be huge in terms of pushing New Zealand's profile overseas," the insider said.

"Australia is a great tourist market for New Zealand, and what better promotional tool could there be than having a show featuring Aussie and Kiwi boxers."

 

Good question that. It's probably only early days in the organising at this stage.

 

Good get BK - keep us posted on further any further developments you might hear of mate.