The Block NZ

The Block NZ 2019 teams have been revealed, here’s all you need to know

Article by Homes to Love

Another year, another Block NZ. See which four eager duos made it into this year’s competition; The Block NZ Firehouse

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The Block NZ is back for 2019, and this year is promising to be its most ambitious project yet. Over the coming 12 weeks, this year’s Block NZ teams will be renovating five apartments in the charming 1930’s Georgian-revival fire station in Kingsland.

It was decommissioned as a fire station in 1972 and transformed into an 18-room boarding house. Now, it’s set to become a stylish apartment block with 180-degree views overlooking Eden Park.

Major work has already taken place inside the building to bring it up to modern building standards. With an extra level added to the top, the roof removed and the inside completely gutted, the teams have their work cut out rebuilding the five apartments from the ground up.

But how will they choose which apartment to renovate?

Apartment 1 is in the historic part of the building and is the largest. Apartment 2 is ground level with great views. Apartment 3 has “superior views” and Apartment 4, the penthouse, enjoys a cityscape from both ends of the building. Apartment 5 is yet to be revealed.

And the contestants who will be renovating these apartments? Take a look below:

Lisa and Ribz

Hailing from Wellington caterer Lisa (Ngai Tahu), 37, and print technician Chris, AKA Ribz (Ngati Kahungungu), 34, pride themselves on their ability to stay fun.

The husband-wife duo have been honing their DIY skills for 10 years, renovating and decorating their own house. Ribz, the self-described builder, says his strengths lie in his DIY skills, whilst Lisa excels on the shopping and decorating front.

Honest, fun and not afraid to speak their minds, team yellow is serious about the competition.


Stacy and Adam

Team purple is this year’s youngest duo. Social-influencer Stacy, 25, and Weta Workshop senior concept designer Adam, 25, have their design eyes on the prize. They say their ability to style and decorate will set them apart from the rest.

These born and bred Wellingtonians have previously dabbled in DIY on their own home with mixed results – they accidentally painted their house the wrong colour. (Hopefully, they’ve learnt!)

Adam hopes that Stacy’s love for drama is offset by her budgeting skills, time-management and attention to detail, whilst he’ll be bringing practicality and composure to get them through the 12 weeks.


Ethan and Sam

Ethan, 26, (Ngati Rereahu) and Sam, 27, (Ngati Rereahu and Ngati Maniapoto) hail from the mighty Waikato. Best friends from high school, builder Ethan and joiner Sam are well up to the task of renovating the fire station.

Eager to sink their teeth into construction, nail gun prone Sam says apart from being hands-on and hardworking, having a laugh will be one of the things he will bring to the team.

Ethan will be looking after the project management side of the team, and we’ve heard tell that his DIY skills are a force to be reckoned with.


Sophia and Mikaere

Turangi husband and wife duo Sophia, 31, and Mikaere, 32, (Ngati Tuwharetoa and Ngai Te Rangi) met at university 12 years ago and have been together ever since.

Team blue promises to be the “arty duo” this year. Chef Sophia loves to illustrate, sew and garden. Mikaere is an award-winning artist and teaches at a total immersion secondary school teaching Art, English, Te Reo and Science – all except English are taught in Maori.

Competitive and organised, Sophia and Mikaere say their biggest challenge will actually be being away from family.


The Block NZ: Firehouse premieres on Three, Monday June 17th at 7.30pm and continues on Monday – Wednesday at 7.30pm and Sunday nights at 7pm.

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