The experts have been revealed, the trailer released and now Woman’s Day talks to the the 12 hopeful participants.
Observant fans will note a former The Bachelor NZ bachelorette is among the brides. As well as this, the ratio of men and women is not one to one, telling us there will be a gay couple on the series as there has been in both the English and Australian iterations of the show.
Aaron, 26
Ambulance Officer, Auckland
What worries you the most about this experience?
I’m most frightened that if the relationship is an unhealthy one, I might remain in it too long due to the ring on my finger.
What kind of relationship person are you?
Definitely a hopeless romantic! I love to surprise my partner with little things here and there, and lots of surprise dates and trips.
What are your relationship deal-breakers?
Smoking is an absolute no-go for me and if you’ve got no career prospects, sorry!
What do you hope you find at the altar?
Someone with a big, confident smile and words of reassurance.
Angel, 26
Website coordinator, Wellington
What do you look for in a life partner?
Someone who can be a friend as well as a husband.
What kind of relationship person are you?
Fun, positive and spontaneous.
What’s the easiest way to your heart?
Adventure and romance.
What’s your favourite romance flick?
I’m not much of a romantic-movie lady – I would rather a good doco or great yarn.
Were you given any marriage advice before the big day?
Compromise is key.
What will you be looking for when you set eyes on your groom?
A smile back or I’m doing a runner!
Andrew, 26
Builder, Auckland
Have you ever been in love before?
It’s a hard one to say as my resentment quickly overtook love when I found out certain information that hurt me.
What things are important to you in a partner?
A down-to-earth girl who has integrity, honesty and some good looks.
Why did you sign up to the show?
Five years on Tinder is enough.
What will you be looking for when you first set eyes on your bride?
Her eyes – and her feet. As Forrest Gump once said, “There’s an awful lot you can tell about a person by their shoes.”
Vicky, 26
Flight Attendant, Auckland
What is important to you in a relationship?
Honesty, communication and humour.
What do you look for in a man?
Tall, dark and handsome. Someone with great personal hygiene – I can’t be with a smelly boy – and who is kind and respectful to myself and others.
Were you given any advice ahead of your big day?
Give the poor boy a chance!
How have you prepared for your nuptials?
I did boot camp and attempted to eat healthy, which was hard because I love food. I also surrounded myself with the family and friends who were supportive of this experience.
Dominic, 51
Retired police officer, Palmerston North
The craziest thing you’ve done for love?
I proposed to my previous wife after 11 days.
What kind of husband are you?
Adventurous, fun-loving, kind, thoughtful, affectionate and tactile. I’m also a very committed individual and give everything my 100%.
What do you look for in a partner?
A woman who is kind, emotionally expressive, and someone who has a good sense of both adventure and humour. She is broad-minded, intelligent, strong, well-read and someone who embraces diversity.
What is important to you in a relationship?
To love and to be loved, and be there for each other in good times and bad.
Luke, 34
Warehouse Manager, Raglan
What’s the craziest thing you’ve done for love?
I was trying to support my girlfriend in her goal to stop smoking. When she went to smoke a cigarette, I snatched it out of her hands and ate it in front of her. I told her I was going to eat every cigarette that she tried to smoke because I loved her and I was concerned for her health.
What would you say is the easiest way to your heart?
Easy way? It’s like navigating through a labyrinth blindfolded – but once you’re there, you’re set. Failing that, I’d say laughter and food will do the trick.
Bel, 25
Travel and Tourism, Auckland
What’s the craziest thing you’ve done for love?
I moved to a small mining town in Australia, where there was only one supermarket and one pub – I got bored and moved back home.
What frightens you the most about this experience?
Falling in love and not being loved in return.
You were on the last season of The Bachelor NZ – why sign up for this show?
Dating hasn’t worked out for me, and I am ready to settle down and build a life with someone. I have nothing to lose but a husband to gain!
Brett, 31
Business Owner, Christchurch
The craziest thing you’ve done for love?
I once re-gifted a colleague’s flowers and gave them to my girlfriend for Valentine’s Day.
What’s important to you in a relationship?
Honesty, communication, action, adventure and laughter.
What do you hope to see at the altar?
I’ll be stoked that she’s turned up! Following that, a big smile would be awesome.
Are you including anything sentimental at your wedding?
I’ve bought my wife a bracelet to ease her nerves while she’s getting ready.
Who gave you the best marriage advice?
My awesome mum: “Happy wife, happy life.”
Claire, 51
Function Coordinator, Palmerston North
Have you ever been in love?
I’ve been married once before for 24 years and have three amazing children. I have no regrets – that relationship has made me the person I am today.
Do you have any deal-breakers when it comes to a new partner?
If they want me to have any more children. They need to be able to support themselves financially and they’d need to be taller than me so I can wear my heels.
What’s the easiest way to your heart?
To be kind and thoughtful, someone that is easy to be around and genuinely loves being part of my family and friends.
Haydn, 31
Primary School Teacher, Auckland
What do you look for in a partner?
Someone who is caring and supportive, and who puts me at ease when I am with them.
Do you have any deal-breakers?
Someone who doesn’t want kids.
What’s the best piece of marriage advice you’ve been given?
Be flexible – ride out the lows and embrace the highs.
Why did you sign up to the show?
I’ve been in long-term relationships before, but nothing has worked out. I wanted to try something totally different.
What do you hope will meet you at the altar?
A warm smile.
Lacey, 29
Consultant, Tauranga
What kind of relationship person are you?
I would like to say I’m a romantic, but I’m a realist who likes flowers. I want someone who doesn’t take themselves too seriously but takes life seriously – that balance is so important.
Have you ever been in love?
I’ve been in love but never married. It’s the most amazing feeling in the world knowing you have someone who 100% supports you and wants the best for you.
Do you have any absolute deal-breakers?
This situation is different to a typical marriage, so my deal-breaker would be if my partner wasn’t authentic in their reason for participating.
Ben, 26
Insurance Consultant, Auckland
What’s the craziest thing you’ve done for love?
I was still in the closet when I met my first partner at 17. I managed to keep our relationship completely secret from my family and friends for about two years. I actually kind of enjoyed living a double life.
What frightens you the most about this experience?
Whether I like it or not, on this platform, I’m seen as a representative of the LGBT community and I’d hate to let them down. It would be my greatest unhappiness.
What’s important to you in a relationship?
Honesty and a bottle of wine.
