The Chase New Zealand

Did You Know?

• Stuff writers considered some questions too easy, such as those on the current prime minister, Shortland Street, and the Treaty of Waitangi, and speculated they were written by Australians.
• Kylie Klein Nixon of The Post thought Paul Henry was not as likeable a host as Bradley Walsh.

Background

The British version of The Chase premiered on ITV in 2009 and is broadcast in New Zealand, where it has been described as more popular than in its home country. In 2021, the British series averaged 313,800 viewers in New Zealand. Brian McDonnell, an honorary research fellow at Massey University, suggested that New Zealand audiences support the underdog contestants and admire host Bradley Walsh, despite struggling with British-centred questions. At a time when the British series had aired over 1,800 episodes, McDonnell believed New Zealand's population was too small to sustain its own version. In July 2022, Stuff writer James Croot predicted the format would never be adapted locally, citing a shift toward shows that humiliate contestants. On 8 April 2025, TVNZ announced a New Zealand adaptation, to be filmed by ITV Studios Australia on the Australian version's set in Sydney and broadcast as a four-part series. Contestants were required to arrange their own travel and accommodation. Paul Henry was named presenter on 3 June, and the two chasers were announced on 8 October as British chaser Anne Hegerty and Australian chaser Issa Schultz, both veterans of the Australian series. Hegerty stated she made little research into New Zealand general knowledge, relying on her Australian studies. After the first episode, Stuff writer Shahra Hume noted that Hegerty's lack of New Zealand knowledge was offset by her expertise in other areas.

Chasers

Anne Hegerty, known as 'The Governess', has appeared on Mastermind, Fifteen to One, Today's the Day, Brain of Britain, and Are You an Egghead?, and is a Chaser on the British and Australian versions. Issa Schultz, known as 'The Supernerd', is an 11-time winner of the Australian Quizzing Championships and seven-time pairs champion, and has appeared on Australian game shows The Rich List, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? and The Einstein Factor. He is also a Chaser on the Australian version and was a guest on the British spin-off Beat the Chasers.