The show first aired in 1997 as Treasure Island and has since spawned two spin-off versions in Australia and Ireland and has become one of New Zealand’s most well-loved reality franchises. Created by Darryl McEwen and produced by Touchdown Television, the show saw fans tune in weekly to watch everyday New Zealanders compete for a $25,000 cash prize. The first season was won by 24-year-old Levi Bowen.
Lance Savali and Bree Tomasel host the popular reality tv show. Photo / SuppliedLast year, actor JP Foliaki won Celebrity Treasure Island after competing against actor James Rolleston and former All Black Christian Cullen in a final challenge that lasted longer than any in the reality show’s history.
The actor donated the $100,000 prize to Child Fund Water Run, a charity that provides clean water to children across the Pacific.
The 2024 season also saw co-host Bree Tomasel joined on presenting duties by dancer Lance Savali who first competed in the show in 2021, where he made it to the final treasure hunt alongside Chris Parker and Edna Swart.
Last week it was announced that Tomasel is one of five celebrities competing in the next season of Taskmaster NZ. The ZM Drive host will square off against Jackie van Beek, Pax Assadi, Alice Snedden and Jack Ansett in season six of the game show set to premiere on August 18 on TVNZ 2 and TVNZ+.
The 2025 season of Celebrity Treasure Island will air later this year. A cast announcement has yet to be made.
Celebrity Treasure Island is available to stream on TVNZ+
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.nzherald.co.nz ’
