Guy Montgomery
33, Comedian
What’s the most random item you’ve packed?
I’ve brought some purpose-built amphibious shoes because I need my feet to be as comfortable and dry as possible at all times!
What’s your strategy?
I don’t really have one. My initial plan is to be friendly, play a natural game of getting along with people and do my best in the challenges.
Perlina Lau
32, actress & RNZ presenter
What’s your strategy?
I’m torn between being the one who goes under the radar and going in with guns blazing – it’s hard to know what’ll work!
What role will you take on in camp?
Well, if I’m like my mate JJ Fong, maybe I’ll be the cook. But I’m very used to a rice cooker, so I’m a bit worried about burning the rice. Otherwise, I’m quite calm under pressure, so hopefully I can communicate well and not lose my cool.
What’s your spirit animal?
An extroverted owl. I’m pretty nocturnal and I love observing people.
Dr Joel Rindelaub
35, celebrity scientist
What strengths will you bring?
My self-determination is my biggest asset, and I’m chill and relaxed, so I can help my team calm the storm. But other than that, my skills are not transferable in this environment, to be honest.
What’s your strategy?
To make it as long as possible! If I can do that, my chances of winning increase precipitously.
Dylan Schmidt
25, Olympic gymnast
What’s the most random item you’ve packed?
My dad’s cowboy hat. It’s pretty sweaty and gross, but I thought it was fitting and Treasure Island-ish.
Who would you want to be stuck on a deserted island with?
Bear Grylls. I loved him growing up and watched all his shows. He’d bean asset to any team and have a few stories to tell as well.
Lynette Forday
54, Shortland Street star
What’s the most random item you’ve packed?
I did not smuggle anything into camp – I play by the rules!
What’s your strategy?
To stay in the game, play honest and, oddly enough, to be true.
Who’s your biggest competition?
It’s early days, but there are a few athletes who are very competitive, successful and driven to win.
Courtenay Louise
28, Shortland Street actress
What’s your strategy?
I’m quite a big personality, but I’ll be staying under the radar. I’m happy for people to underestimate me and then I’ll annihilate them!
What role will you take on in camp?
I have a good listening ear and I’ll be big on team strategy. It’s so important that we have that foundation at the start and we’re working together well as a team, creating that solid family environment.
Eds Eramiha
36, Vegas actor
What’s your most annoying habit?
I like my alone time. If I’m sitting on my own and not talking, it’s me rejuvenating myself so I have energy to give back to my team.
How have you prepared?
I always stay physically, mentally and spiritually fit, so I’m always ready.
What’s your strategy?
I haven’t even thought about that… Win all the challenges?
Cam Mansel
30, ZM radio host
What’s the most random item you’ve packed?
Don’t laugh, but I have some face masks. We’re going to be out in the elements, so I’ve gotta hydrate the visage! Hopefully it gets the girls on side.
What strengths will you bring to your team?
My biggest asset is probably that I fly under the radar. I’m quite goofy and not many people take me seriously.
Cassie Roma
41, Apprentice Aotearoa star
What’s your strategy?
To be open and honest in myself. Even if it sucks to say something to someone because it’s hard, I won’t back away. I’m a firm believer in kindness and I think people confuse kindness with niceness. I will not be a walkover.
Who’s your biggest competition?
Everybody brings a strength, but I’d love to have three wāhine in the final – and I’d love to be one of them!
Dame Susan Devoy
58, Squash champion
What strengths will you bring to your team?
I’d certainly say that my determination and the fact that I never give up or spit the dummy is probably a positive.
What’s your strategy?
Someone told me before I went on the show that you’ve got to be clever, but you’ve also got to be very kind. I’m not sure I’ll play that part out very well. There’s definitely a bit of luck involved!
Alex King
24, radio host & singer
What’s your strategy?
I have to prove to my team I’m riding with them. They’re going to stress about my dad because I’ll obviously have Mike’s back, but I need an alliance other than with him too!
What’s your most annoying habit?
My personality is quite annoying, like, “Does she ever shut up?!” I can be very energetic and sometimes I miss the mark when it comes to reading the room.
Iyia Liu
29, Boss Babes entrepreneur
What’s the most random item you’ve packed?
I’ve probably just packed too much. I know we’re not allowed that amount of stuff, but they’re all non-negotiables.
What’s your most annoying habit?
I’d like to think that I’m not annoying!
Who would you want to be stuck on a deserted island with?
Harry Potter, so he can do spells and make our team win!
Elvis Lopeti
28, dancer & TikTok star
What’s the most random item you’ve packed?
I’m smuggling in salt and pepper as I heard we have to eat rice and beans – yuck! I’ll use these contrabands to win people over, like, “Would you like some salt? Well, you have to save me!”
What’s your strategy?
I’ll be nice to everyone at the start, then I’ll scope out the strongest members of the camp and form alliances.
Ron Cribb
46, All Blacks legend
What’s your strategy?
It’s a bit like chess and thinking one move ahead of everyone else.
What role will you take on in camp?
I’ll try to be the mediator so everyone has a voice in the group, to help us think collectively as a team.
What’s your most annoying habit?
The fact I’m competitive could be annoying, especially for those who aren’t from a sporting background.
Melodie Robinson
49, Black Ferns legend
What’s the most random item you’ve packed?
The strangest thing is what I haven’t packed – I’ve missed heaps of stuff, like my normal sports gear. I may have had a couple of glasses of wine before packing my bags!
What’s your strategy?
To stay in the game is to definitely be the person who is there to support others.
Who’s your biggest competition?
My blonde doppelgänger Cassie. She’s a very driven entrepreneur. The only way I will beat her is in a tackling competition!
Mike King
60, mental health advocate
What role will you take on in camp?
I’m a former stand-up comedian – my job is to lighten everything and have fun!
Who’s your biggest competition?
If Alex and I are in a challenge, I’ll lay down and lose. As a dad, I’m not going up against my girl.
What’s your biggest fear?
I have a phobia of steep banks because I’ve got bung knees. I’ve also broken 11 ribs, punctured my lung, broken my back, had a massive stroke – and I broke my toe before coming here!
Siobhan Marshall
40, actress & director
What strengths will you bring?
I like puzzles, but I’m not very physical or strong, I’m not a good swimmer and I’m slow. I’ve been going running and practising my balance, though!
How have your prepared?
As well as the running, I’ve downloaded a mind game on my phone and I’ve been going with my kids to the playground, where I’ve tried to do all the balancing and climbing things.
What random item have you packed?
My breast pump!
Jesse Tuke
30, sports commentator
How have your prepared?
I had big ambitions to do a bit more training and try to bulk up, but I’m still running a pretty small bicep problem.
What strengths will you bring?
Probably being an all-rounder. I’m not going to be the strongest or smartest, but I’m good enough at everything.
Do you have any annoying habits?
I don’t like sitting still. Any kind of chill-out time won’t involve me.
Karen O’Leary
44, actress & comedian
What’s the most random item you’ve packed?
Were we allowed to pack strange things? I’m a terrible packer – I forgot my sunnies and bug repellent, and I’m not sure I even packed socks!
What role will you take on in camp?
I’ll pitch in wherever there’s a need. I look forward to engaging in some open conversations, getting to know people and making them laugh.
Shimpal Lelisi
49, actor & comedian
What random item have you packed?
I’m smuggling things in, but it’s unintentional, I swear! If anything, I overpacked.
Who will be your biggest competition?
It will be myself because I’m very quick to snap, like, “I’m over it! I’m outta here!” It’s always been the easy option for me, so I’ll be the biggest challenge for myself, really.
Who would you want to be stuck on a deserted island with?
I’d have to say myself, so I can keep my other self out of trouble!
Te Kohe Tuhaka
40, Shortland Street actor
Who’s your biggest competition?
Probably myself in the sense that being away from my family is the hardest thing I’ll have to go through. The best way I can play the game is to go as hard as I can and not hold back, no matter who I’m going up against.
Who would you most want to be stuck on a deserted island with?
Mike Tyson. He’d have the craziest stories to tell. His journey fascinates me.
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