Meet the teams
Team: Claire Rapira, 26, personal trainer, and Agni Bhorkar, 23, gym co-owner. Relationship: Partners From: Hamilton
Did you have any reservations about appearing on a reality show?
Claire: I never really thought that it would be a thing but I can get quite caught up in the stress of things and sometimes seem a little bit distant. I’m just worried that people are going to think that I’m a stresser when that’s not really what I’m like. But I think as the weeks go on I will get used to it and then people will really see my true colours. Agni: The Block is probably one of the few reality shows that is quite different to the others. I mean most reality shows, you don’t require any sort of skill to be on it. And for us, we’re motivated people and I don’t want to do something that’s not going to test me intellectually or physically – or whatever it is. This way we are actually going to achieve something instead of making a fool of ourselves on TV.
What are you sacrificing to take part on this show?
Agni: We’ve just bought our first house, so we actually weren’t able to stay in there for a day even, and I don’t think we’ll ever be able to stay in there any more as we have given it out to rent for a very long time now. Our dogs, which we haven’t been able to see at all. Our family. And this is probably the first time I have stepped away from my gym and not actually had any eye on it at all. So it’s been quite difficult that way as well.
Team: Amy Moore, 39, beautician, and Stu Watts, 46, plumber. Relationship: Partners From: Gisborne
Did you have any reservations about appearing on a reality show?
Amy: I didn’t have any reservations about appearing on reality TV. It is all very weird but am still being myself. Maybe losing a few pounds prior could have been helpful. Stu: I was a little bit worried about umm ... well put it this way: I thought I was famous in Gizzy, but this is going to make me famous in New Zealand.
What are you sacrificing to take part on this show?
Amy: I am sacrificing time with my daughter and away from my family. I’m sure it will all be worth it in the end. Stu: The kids. Missing out on time with them.
Team: Ben Speedy, 24, architect, and Tom Waalkens, 24, project manager. Relationship: Best mates From: Auckland
Did you have any reservations about appearing on a reality show?
Ben: I think I’m still having reservations about appearing on a reality TV show. Putting yourself on show for thousands of people is always going to be daunting, but I’m excited to be involved and to see how it all plays out. Tom: Honestly, I probably didn’t think about it anywhere near as much as I should’ve when I applied. It was kind of just a really cool opportunity to renovate a house. It’s not something you get to do very often. Let alone, like, Ben and I – in our position – we don’t have the resources to buy our own houses. So for me, it was more about an awesome experience to renovate a house and also all the people you meet.
What are you sacrificing to take part on this show?
Ben: I had a few exciting projects on the go at work which were going to form the basis for my registration as a New Zealand architect. Other than that the decision was easy. Tom: I quit my job. So that’s a pretty big sacrifice. Other than that it’s minor things. Both Ben and I were supposed to go on holiday to Rarotonga, but we’ve canned that. Team: Chlo Hes, 25, office co-ordinator, and Em Blanchett, 25, salad bar owner. Relationship: Best mates From: Palmerston North
Do you see yourself as a hero or villain? Why should the public support you?
Chlo: I see myself as a bit of both because there’s good and bad in everyone. And the public should support me because I’m as real as it gets. Em: Definitely a hero. I just want to make the show as fun as possible for the viewers.
Did you have any reservations about appearing on a reality show?
Chlo: My only reservation about appearing on a TV show was the public seeing me first thing in the morning with my bird-nest hair.
What are you sacrificing to take part on this show?
Chlo: I’ve left my job, sold my car, and leaving my beautiful dog Django and partner Angus to be on this show. Em: I’m leaving my brand new home and business to be on this show. So, hopefully, it’s all there waiting for my return.