Paul Henry is out and Madeleine Sami is in as the new host of murder-mystery reality series The Traitors NZ – and she couldn’t be more excited!
“I’ve watched many of the international and local seasons of The Traitors, and find myself hooked every single time,” says the star, 46.
“It’s such an honour to be part of this new season. I love that it’s a game of strategy and deception. I love that people go in with a desire to win, then betray each other. I love that it starts as a fun game, then everyone gets emotionally invested and that’s when things escalate.”
Asked if she’d rather be a Faithful or a Traitor, Madeleine replies, “I’m a moderately successful – and occasionally award-winning – actress. And I wouldn’t want to use my skills for evil. In saying that, who wouldn’t want to be a Traitor?!”
The Traitors NZ returns 31 May on Three and ThreeNow.
Read on to learn more about the 21 Kiwi contestants set to engage in treachery and deceit in South Canterbury’s Castle Claremont in order to win an epic cash prize…

Aaron, 42
Triathlete, Queenstown
A member of the NZ Order of Merit for his services to sport, he’s a DOC worker and Ironman athlete by day. And a gym instructor, author and speaker by night.

Aroha, 32
HR consultant, Auckland
The sporty, quick-witted competitor describes herself as a chameleon who can adapt herself to suit any situation. And claims she’s good at reading other people.

Bradley, 27
Youth pastor, Auckland
Born on the Coromandel, he was a “super-naughty kid” until he found his faith. The former primary school teacher is now a massive fan of Survivor, fantasy football and strategic games.

Chloe, 31
Business owner, Auckland
A solo mum who quit her media career to run her own e-commerce store, this self-described “big personality” confesses she struggles to control her facials.

Dave, 48
Sports announcer, Nelson
A former radio producer for The Hits, the reality TV superfan came fourth in 2023’s Treasure Island: Fans V Faves. Where he was eliminated by Dame Susan Devoy.

Dr Debbie, 64
Lecturer, Wellington
This education expert loves a good gossip, has a strong sense of humour and gets on with everyone. She says she’s “not a bad wee actor” and isn’t afraid to “pull the mum card”.

Hannah, 31
At-home mum, Bay of Plenty
A self-confessed “witch and feminist”, she lives in a house bus. Where she homeschools her three sons to stand up for what’s right.

Harrison, 36
Office manager, Sweden
Born and raised in Aotearoa but now based in Europe, the Traitors obsessive wants to leave a mark on the game with his sassy style.

James, 49
TV captioner, Auckland
Before subtitling telly shows, this smart cookie spent a decade designing tabletop war games. Which should come in handy when it comes to strategy!

Kate, 20
Actress, Auckland
Having starred alongside Florence Pugh in Netflix’s upcoming East Of Eden, this creative reckons her acting training has all been leading to a big Traitors win!

Of Māori, Tongan and Welsh descent, the queer artist has played at major music festivals, like Glastonbury and Coachella. As well as appearing in a Justin Bieber music video.

Maruia, 43
Teacher, Tokoroa
This Waikato gran is a cardshark with a fearsome poker face. And has also worked in TV, writing and directing for shows such as Ahikāroa and Hui Hoppers.

Ryan, 24
Audio engineer, Auckland
He’s a producer of podcasts and audiobooks, but his real passion is music. His duo Flat Whites released the single Elizabeth in 2023.

Samantha, 30
Teacher, Queenstown
Describing herself as a modern-day “Miss Honey from Matilda”, she once went viral for a video on how to teach six-year-olds about racism.

Violette, 20
Athlete, Auckland
Having represented Aotearoa in both water polo and athletics, this high-achieving sportswoman has also attended Yale University in the US.

Elliott, 33
Comedian, Wellington
A financial analyst by day and a stand-up comic by night, this agent of chaos lives to entertain. And he isn’t afraid to make risky moves.

Jannaia, 27
Personal trainer, Wellington
The Samoan former powerlifting champ now competes in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He is driven by the motto, “If you’re not first, you’re last!”

Jill, 50
Receptionist, Nelson
Life begins at 50 for this mum of two and “master of niceness”, who is willing to play “dumb and innocent” in order to get ahead. She’s hardworking and competitive.

Maria, 36
Teacher, Wellington
The sister of star comedians Paul and Guy Williams, she’s also a comic performer – and she’s here to “have fun, go a bit nuts and make good TV”!

Michael, 44
Bakery manager, Auckland
A craft beer and cricket enthusiast, he lost his job in Chicago during COVID and moved back to NZ. There, he instantly met his new wife.

Rachel, 55
Author, Christchurch
She’s written four novels and won an award for her literary reviews. Now the sharp-eyed creative is keen to show off her traitorous side and trust her gut in order to win big.
Related
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.nowtolove.co.nz ’














