Wellingtonian Avi Duckor-Jones was crowned the winner of New Zealand’s first Survivor series in last night’s live finale, securing four votes from his fellow contestants to clinch the victory – and the $100,000 cash prize.
For the 32-year-old youth expedition leader, being on Survivor represented the culmination of a long-cherished dream – but battling it out for 39 days against 15 other determined contestants was no easy feat.
“Some days Survivor was all I would think of,” he tells Woman’s Day.
“I’d go over my answers [at the final Tribal Council] and question my game plan. Other days I would forget all about it and those days were such a relief, I’d think, ‘Maybe it doesn’t matter. Maybe it’s not the most important thing in the world.’”
Avi Duckor-Jones was revealed as New Zealand’s first ever Sole Surivor in last night’s episode.
Avi, who was up against multiple challenge-winner Tom Paterson and dark horse Barbara Raos in the final, has nothing but love for his fellow contestants, who he says “made this the amazing experience that it was”.
“I am so incredibly excited and honoured to be the first ever New Zealand Sole Survivor. This entire experience has been a dream realised, and I am so grateful to have been able to participate.”
Avi was a strong contender early on in the game and proved to be an impressive social player, building strong alliances and stepping up when it counted to win the final Immunity Challenge – securing his place in the top three.
Heading into the game, he already had some advantages on his side thanks to previous training as a wilderness first responder and his experience leading back-country trips around the globe.
The final three pleaded their case to the jury during the last ever Tribal Council.
Fellow competitor Tom said he had plenty of respect for the Survivor winner, who he had been close with since day one of the game.
“Avi and I had a long journey together. In the end, I was beaten by a good friend that I respect and that’s a humbling feeling. At least I know there will always be a free beer for me in the Wairarapa.”
Barb echoed his sentiments, calling Avi “a true gentleman”.
“I am 100% happy for Avi and I want to thank him for being who I thought he was.”
