Quizzing the kids

Chris Kirk (left) puts children to the test in his role as host of new local quiz show Brain Busters. Sarah Nealon reports.

Anew children’s quiz show aims to test the smarts and stamina of students in years eight and nine.

Called Brain Busters, the weekday programme is hosted by What Now presenter Chris Kirk.

What sets Brain Busters apart from other quiz shows is not only the contestants’ ages but its physical component.

On the new series, contestants can progress through various rounds of questions and earn the chance to take part in the show’s in-studio obstacle course.

Each Brain Busters episode has four contestants, all of whom get to take home cash.

“As soon as you are on the show, you’ve already won $100,” says Kirk.

“Every player gets $100 and then our final player can win well over $500 based on the points they have accumulated throughout the show.”

Kirk, 24, hopes contestants who are eliminated from the competition depart with a sense of satisfaction.

“We always want those kids to leave the show feeling super proud of what they’ve achieved,” he says.

“And 100 bucks in your pocket is probably pretty handy as well.”

Kirk, who is in his sixth year on What Now, says he is thrilled to be hosting Brain Busters.

He enjoys watching quiz shows like The Chase, thanks in part to his father.

“My dad is right into it,” he says. “He’s always watching the show. Whenever I go back home you can almost guarantee that The Chase is going to be on. I do really enjoy The Chase and Tipping Point as well.”

To prepare for his Brain Busters hosting duties, Kirk watched quiz shows on TVNZ and on YouTube.

And his time as a children’s TV show presenter has been an advantage as well. “I’ve some experience from What Now,” he says, “which kind of helps.”