Latest news with #TheChaseNewZealand
NZ Herald
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Media Insider: Paul Henry sought Media and Broadcasting Minister Paul Goldsmith's OK over The Chase host role, during TVNZ board appointment process
'Hi Paul. Sorry to bother you,' wrote Henry on March 18. 'I have been asked to host a 4 part show for TVNZ that will be recorded in Sydney, and my involvement will be over by mid June. I just wanted to run it past you. I would not want it to be a problem re the board position. If you see any issue at all, I will decline the hosting role. Great to catch up the other day. Paul.' Goldsmith replies 82 minutes later: 'Should be fine.' Media and Communications Minister Paul Goldsmith. Photo / Mark Mitchell TVNZ announced Henry as the host of the very short New Zealand season of The Chase on June 4. A screening date has yet to be announced. On June 24, Media Insider revealed Henry would be appointed as one of TVNZ's new board members - a move confirmed by Goldsmith's office in a press release later that morning. The move promises to shake up TVNZ. As Media Insider reported at the time, the appointment of Henry is not so much a cat amongst the pigeons as a lion unleashed on a pedestrian promenade. 'I am aware Mr Henry is set to host The Chase New Zealand," Goldsmith said in the press release at the time. 'However, I am advised any perceived conflict can be effectively managed.' The brief text exchange between the two Pauls - Paul Henry and Paul Goldsmith - and released by The Treasury under the Official Information Act. Yesterday, Media Insider further revealed - with news that The Traitors NZ was returning to Three thanks to partial funding from NZ on Air - that Henry was also in line to host that show once again. However, TVNZ has yet to comment on whether it would be happy for one of its board members to host a show on a rival network. Henry has not returned a message. 'Paul's keen to do it,' said The Traitors production company South Pacific Pictures managing director Andrew Szusterman, while also adding there was no official announcement on who would be host. However, it's clear SPP wants Henry. Szusterman said Henry was contracted to SPP and he saw no issues with him also being a TVNZ director. It was hardly a precedent, he said, with TVNZ broadcasters featuring in roles on rival commercial radio networks and vice versa. There had been no discussions with TVNZ at this stage. 'I would say that it shows a real maturity in the New Zealand market where we're not so hooked up on that kind of stuff,' said SPP chief executive Kelly Martin. 'We can't afford to say to people, you can only work on this network or that network. We're not big enough. 'He's on the [TVNZ] board, so if there are any issues, he can pick it up at a board meeting.' TVNZ board directors Today's release of documents from The Treasury shows that three TVNZ board members were up for reappointment on June 30. Officials recommended the reappointment of at least two of them - John Quirk, and someone else whose name has been redacted. The other two board members up for reappointment were lawyer Linda Clark and Meg Matthews. The Treasury document appears to reveal that an existing TVNZ board director was not reappointed, as officials advised. John Quirk was reappointed. Quirk was the only one of the three to be announced on June 24 by Goldsmith to be reappointed. Based on The Treasury's belief that the optimal number of board members is seven, it means there still remains one vacancy. Goldsmith's office has been approached for comment. The Treasury reported to Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Goldsmith in March that given TVNZ's strategic focus on its transition to digital, it would be important to ensure the board had the right capabilities to oversee the execution of its major investment in this area 'and to progress on TVNZ's plans to drive digital revenue growth'. 'The board has seen significant change and disruption over the past few years. Five out of the seven on the board, including the chair are in their first term. Four of these directors commenced in July 2023, with the most recent joining in September 2024. TVNZ has had four chief executives since 2021.' Under the headline 'strengthening board capability', The Treasury further states: 'The upcoming appointment round will be seeking a minimum of two new directors for the TVNZ board. 'The chair has indicated that expertise in digital technology, media industry knowledge and financial management is pivotal in reinforcing the board's collective capabilities. 'It is Treasury's view that to successfully continue the organisation's financial recovery, candidates with strong financial management skills should be a key focus during the upcoming appointments process. 'Furthermore, you have expressed a preference for the board to acquire expertise from the international media landscape, particularly from Australia, to enhance its skill set.' All eyes, then, on who will be next to join the board of chair Alastair Carruthers, deputy chair Ripeka Evans, John Fellet, John Quirk, Aliesha Staples and Henry. Editor-at-Large Shayne Currie is one of New Zealand's most experienced senior journalists and media leaders. He has held executive and senior editorial roles at NZME including Managing Editor, NZ Herald Editor and Herald on Sunday Editor and has a small shareholding in NZME. Watch Media Insider - The Podcast on YouTube, or listen to it on iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Scoop
27-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Paul Henry Appointed To TVNZ Board
Broadcaster Paul Henry has been appointed to the TVNZ Board, Media and Communications Minister Paul Goldsmith says. 'Mr Henry has spent nearly his entire career involved in the broadcasting industry, producing news, current affairs, and entertainment programming both here in New Zealand and overseas. 'He was integral in the establishment of the successful multi-platform Paul Henry breakfast show, established and sold a radio station in the Wairarapa, and was heavily involved in the launch of the former radio network Today FM. 'He has a deep and passionate understanding of the sector and will enhance the board's insight and strategic decision making. 'I am aware Mr Henry is set to host The Chase New Zealand. However, I am advised any perceived conflict can be effectively managed. 'I am also reappointing John Quirk, who has served on the TVNZ Board since 2023. 'Mr Quirk brings over 20 years of governance, strategic leadership, investment, and corporate advisory experience, with a particular focus on technology, digital transformation, and high-growth companies.'
Otago Daily Times
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Host of The Chase NZ revealed
Paul Henry. File photo Broadcaster Paul Henry has been named as the host of The Chase New Zealand, a gig which he accepted with "no hesitation". A special four-episode series of The Chase New Zealand will follow the original format of the popular British game show hosted by Bradley Walsh. 'What kind of crazy fool would turn down an opportunity to host the most popular game show in the world?" Henry said in a statement on Wednesday. Paul Henry has been picked to host the local version of the popular game show. 'People might see a slightly different side to me in The Chase, I will really be wanting my teams to win, and I can be enormously charming when I put my mind to it." TVNZ had not confirmed which Chasers would feature on the show but previously said 16 New Zealanders would take on brains from The Chase Australia for a "substantial cash prize". There were also talks of quiz queen Anne Hegerty, known as 'The Governess' on The Chase UK, signing up for the show. Henry started his television career as the game show host of Every Second Counts and in 2024 won bronze at the New York Festivals TV and Film Awards for best host for his work on The Traitors NZ. Henry told Breakfast he thought he was "quite similar" to popular UK host Walsh. "He is the biggest star but he doesn't behave like he is the biggest star. There's only one Bradley doing one franchise... and he's pretty much nailed it." The series, commissioned by TVNZ and produced by ITV Studios Australia will be shot in Sydney and become the 22nd adaptation of The Chase format. No air date has been set for the show.
Scoop
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
TVNZ Reveals The Host Of The Chase New Zealand
Press Release – TVNZ Across four prime-time specials, Paul will guide contestants through the ultimate battle of brains as they face off against the Chasers in a thrilling, high-stakes test of knowledge and nerve. Broadcasting legend Paul Henry takes on the role of host of TVNZ's The Chase New Zealand, bringing his trademark energy and charisma to the iconic quiz show. Across four prime-time specials, Paul will guide contestants through the ultimate battle of brains as they face off against the Chasers in a thrilling, high-stakes test of knowledge and nerve. Known for his sharp wit and banter, Paul started his television career as the game show host of Every Second Counts on TVNZ, and in 2024 won bronze at the New York Festivals TV and Film Awards for best host for his work on The Traitors NZ. 'I had absolutely no hesitation in saying yes to hosting The Chase New Zealand. What kind of crazy fool would turn down an opportunity to host the most popular game show in the world? 'People might see a slightly different side to me in The Chase, I will really be wanting my teams to win, and I can be enormously charming when I put my mind to it' says Henry. The Chase New Zealand specials will follow the popular long-running original format, with 16 New Zealanders showing off their general knowledge prowess during the Cash Builder rounds, in the hope of winning a substantial cash prize in the Final Chase. The Chase New Zealand's premiere will be announced at a later date. TVNZ commissioned ITV Studios Australia to produce the four-part specials. The Chase New Zealand makes it an incredible 22 countries where ITV Studios' renowned The Chase format is produced.
Scoop
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
TVNZ Reveals The Host Of The Chase New Zealand
Press Release – TVNZ Across four prime-time specials, Paul will guide contestants through the ultimate battle of brains as they face off against the Chasers in a thrilling, high-stakes test of knowledge and nerve. Broadcasting legend Paul Henry takes on the role of host of TVNZ's The Chase New Zealand, bringing his trademark energy and charisma to the iconic quiz show. Across four prime-time specials, Paul will guide contestants through the ultimate battle of brains as they face off against the Chasers in a thrilling, high-stakes test of knowledge and nerve. Known for his sharp wit and banter, Paul started his television career as the game show host of Every Second Counts on TVNZ, and in 2024 won bronze at the New York Festivals TV and Film Awards for best host for his work on The Traitors NZ. 'I had absolutely no hesitation in saying yes to hosting The Chase New Zealand. What kind of crazy fool would turn down an opportunity to host the most popular game show in the world? 'People might see a slightly different side to me in The Chase, I will really be wanting my teams to win, and I can be enormously charming when I put my mind to it' says Henry. The Chase New Zealand specials will follow the popular long-running original format, with 16 New Zealanders showing off their general knowledge prowess during the Cash Builder rounds, in the hope of winning a substantial cash prize in the Final Chase. The Chase New Zealand's premiere will be announced at a later date. TVNZ commissioned ITV Studios Australia to produce the four-part specials. The Chase New Zealand makes it an incredible 22 countries where ITV Studios' renowned The Chase format is produced.
