The Block NZ Returns to TV3 with New Judging Line-up

The Block NZ Returns to TV3 with New Judging Line-up

Block-a-holics won’t have to wait much longer for their fix as the top-rating series The Block NZ gears up for its third season on TV3.

Hosted by Mark Richardson with Challenge Host Shannon Ryan, the pair will be joined by a new judging duo Shelley Ferguson and Mark Gascoigne, whose combined experience will add a whole new dimension to the show.

Your Home and Garden Managing Editor, Shelley Ferguson has a wealth of experience in lifestyle magazines – and she knows what it takes to create a beautiful and functional home.

Ferguson already has a house renovation under her belt. She knows exactly the kind of challenges the teams are about to come up against as they work to renovate their houses and take out the winner’s title on The Block NZ.

“I’m addicted to décor, design and renovating, so judging The Block NZ 2014 is an absolute privilege. The Block NZ is such a great showcase of creativity and Kiwi ingenuity – I can’t wait to see what this season’s teams have in store.”

Ferguson will be joined by registered architect Mark Gascoigne, who has nearly 30 years’ experience and has worked on the design of over 2000 projects both in New Zealand and overseas.

His passion for design will be reflected in his judging where he expects the teams to take into account all the needs and aspirations of a future buyer.

“I would like to see exceptional ideas that not only take into account the uses of each space but also show some real personality and a distinctive style,” he comments. “I love design challenges and hope I can also challenge this year's teams to produce the best work ever seen on The Block NZ.”

TV3 is also pleased to announce Bunnings Warehouse is again broadcast sponsor for The Block NZ, supporting the hit series for the third year. Programme partners Kiwibank and Wild Bean Cafe also return for the third time, and are joined by new programme partner Honda.

More than 70% of the New Zealand population tuned into the last series of The Block NZ, with the 5+ cumulative audience ahead of the final reaching 2,948,200 New Zealanders (71.5%). The popularity of the series again built on the 2,697,600 (65.9%) viewers at the same stage of the 2012 competition.

Over a million Kiwis tuned in during the two-hour finale of The Block NZ in 2013, which saw Alice and Caleb Pearson win the competition – and a life-changing $261,000 after a dramatic auction that saw their house sold for $1,126,000 while televised LIVE on TV3. (5+ cumulative reach.)

Rangitikei brothers Pete and Andy were named the winners of the inaugural People’s Choice Award, decided by public vote.

The Block NZ is produced by Eyeworks Television for TV3.

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