The Faves
Art Green, 34
Reality TV star, Celebrity Treasure Island 2021
What made you want to come back?
Just to have a whole lot more fun! I enjoyed it so much last time. Being asked to do it as part of the Faves is quite a cool honour, and I thought it would be a cool dynamic to get back into it and see some familiar faces.
You were a huge target last time. Do you think that’ll be the same this time around?
They’ll probably see me as a threat, so they’ll probably try and get rid of me.
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Matty McLean, 36
Breakfast host, CTI 2019
What made you want to come back?
When I did Celebrity Treasure Island last time, it was a dream come true. I’d been watching this show and others like it for 20-odd years. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I got a call-up to do it twice – I had to say yes!
Can you take it out this time?
I’m here to win! I think I can win, but I’m trying not to put too much pressure on myself to win as I did the last time.
Josh Kronfeld, 51
All Blacks legend, CTI 2004 & 2005
After two wins, you’re back on Treasure Island for a third time. What made you want to do it all again?
F**k knows, really, but my initial thoughts were that I didn’t want to do it, partly because I can’t run or walk very well. My kids were kind of encouraging – I don’t know whether it was good or bad encouragement, but they were keen to see me do it.
Do you know any of your fellow teammates?
Joe Cotton – love her! Heaps of memories from the first one with her and stories about the other characters. They were great.
Alex King, 24
Radio star, actress & singer, CTI 2022
What made you want to come back?
Last season, I was compared a lot to my dad Mike – even though we’re very different, obviously people are going to do that. It’s really just kind of getting to play my own game this time.
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve brought with you?
I’ve packed Sard soap because I just wanted to wash my clothes.
Who are you most looking forward to being on CTI with?
I’m really excited to play with Matty. I loved him on his season. He reminds me so much of me – wears his heart on his sleeve.
Lance Savali, 31
Dancer & TikTok star, CTI 2021
What do you think you were most known for during your last season?
Being a snake, lying to everyone, and throwing anyone and everyone under the bus – except for Chris Parker!
Do you think there will be a target on your back this time around?
Yeah, 100%! I feel like I’m the biggest target – not in terms of physicality, but in terms of how to play the game. I know people will want me out straightaway and that sucks!
Dame Susan Devoy, 59
Former squash champion, CTI 2022
What made you want to come back?
Opportunities like this don’t come around all that often, particularly as you get older. It’s a bit like having a baby – you forget in the end the horrible part and appreciate the cool time that it was.
You’re back on food rations. Do you think it’ll be easier this time around?
The food didn’t necessarily worry me. I missed my coffee and my wine, but I knew I was never going to die of starvation, so that actually wasn’t a concern for me. I thought it was a bonus, actually. I might lose a few kilos.
Joe Cotton, 44
More FM radio host, CTI 2004
What are you most excited for heading into the game for the second time around?
I’m a 44-year-old woman who is very unfit… This is the last place I should be, but I think it’s just going to be fun to challenge myself.
What are your “tick boxes” for the competition?
Lose some weight, don’t s**t yourself on camera, avoid the drama… It would be nice to not be the first person voted off and if I happen to get close to the end, then I will start coming up with a plan.
Lana Searle, 35
More FM radio host, CTI 2021
What made you want to return?
I wanted to come back because I remember leaving last time thinking everybody has to do this once. How lucky am I to get a chance to do it twice – and in Fiji?! I would hate myself more if I said no.
What are your “tick boxes” for the competition?
I definitely want to make it down to when it’s an individual game, so down to one team. I just about did it last time – I missed it by one day.
The Fans
Anna Thomas, 28
Personal trainer & event manager
You’ve been a personal trainer to Chris Parker and Brynley Stent. Did they give you any tips for the show?
I have had a few tips, but nothing I want to share! The main tip was to have fun, to not take everything so seriously and to enjoy myself.
How will you cope with the lack of kai?
The limited food is going to be extremely challenging for me. I’m a real foodie. When people say they get hangry, they haven’t even seen hangry until they’ve met me!
Adam O’Brien, 33
Labourer & Survivor NZ contestant 2018
Why did you want to be on this show?
I wanted to be part of Treasure Island because I played Survivor and I didn’t win that. I’m hoping to win this one.
Any previous players you’d like to see in the game?
I love Candy Lane. I’m the biggest Candy fan that you’ve ever heard of, so I’d love to see her and I’d love to challenge her because she beat so many people in her season!
Katie Middleton, 30
Artist & nanny
What’s the strangest thing you packed?
I kept hair on my brush in case I need to make a rope! I’m a fibre artist and I make cordage for fun. That’s why I keep my hair long because it’s a lot easier to make rope out of long hair than short bits.
Tell us why you think you can win.
I could definitely win because I’m a lot stronger than I look and I am a Gryffindor, so I’m very brave and I’m lovable.
Dave Ward, 45
Container terminal supervisor
Why did you want to be on this series?
I’ve wanted to be a part of Treasure Island or similar shows since I first saw it in 2000. It’s the people interaction – getting to know people – it’s the challenges, but it’s also the triumph at the end of it.
If you could make up a fantasy team with two other previous players, who would they be?
Sam Wallace – I think he played an outstanding game – and Gary Freeman, but also Shannon Ryan. She’s a smart lady and she played it really well.
Josh Oakley, 26
Area sales manager
You’re a fan of Treasure Island and you’ve got the benefit of playing with your mother, Dame Susan. What does it mean for you to be on the series?
Being able to compete with my mum on the same TV show is something I never dreamed of or imagined was possible. We’re really looking forward to it, so whatever happens, we will probably both cherish it for a long time.
How will you cope with the lack of kai?
The limited food will probably be the biggest struggle of mine, especially if I hang around long enough.
Jessica Waru, 22
Influencer
What is your strategy heading into the game?
I’m a quiet assassin – people won’t think of me as a threat, but I’m stronger that what people know or see.
What role do you think you’ll take on in camp?
I thought I’d be the camp mum definitely, but I can see that’s Jane in our team and I’m more little-sister vibes. I’ll be the hype man. Yeah, I’m the supporter!
Jane Yee, 43
The Spinoff podcaster
Why did you want to be part of Treasure Island?
I’m obsessed with reality television. I host a podcast that recaps and deep-dives into reality TV, so it was kind of a no-brainer when the opportunity came to be in the belly of the beast and check it all out.
Any previous players you’d like to compete against?
I would really like to see Lance Savali because I think he’s a savant at this game and I’d like to see him in action. And I would love for our team to take him down!
Micah Marsh, 22
Gym membership consultant
What are you most looking forward to?
I’m excited just for the experience. I love the variety of challenges. I think it’s going to be a massive blast and something I won’t ever regret.
What’s the weirdest item you brought with you?
I packed tweezers and my little mirror. I’m into my cosmetics. I take care of myself, so that would have to be one of the strangest things I packed.
Treasure Island: Fans V Faves premieres 7.30pm Monday, 30 January on TVNZ 2
