Following the success of Survivor in the US, South Africa and Australia, the show was brought to NZ in 2017 and went through a significant evolution in its second season in 2018, bringing about a great season of blindsides, challenges and personalities. However, after its second season, the show was discontinued due to low ratings and replaced with Celebrity Treasure Island.

The cancellation of Survivor in New Zealand is a wasted opportunity to develop and evolve a show that can be as engaging as overseas versions of Survivor. For example, the modern Australian Survivor, which is currently on its sixth season, has evolved throughout its seasons to become one of its largest and most successful reality tv shows. Many of Australian survivors past contestants, many of whom are New Zealanders or who have lived in New Zealand, have become household names and garnered high levels of success in social media as online personalities.  

I believe that another season of New Zealand survivor, filmed in the New Zealand bush, will showcase New Zealand's natural landscapes, forests and wildlife, potentially raising awareness for the protection of New Zealand's fantastic conservation estate. Furthermore, a locally filmed season of Survivor New Zealand could boost local tourism and provide hundreds of jobs for local New Zealanders as film crews, set designers and caterers. Therefore, a locally filmed season of Survivor New Zealand could provide much-needed money to a region that has been affected by an absence of international tourists. For example, the latest season of Australian Survivor in Cloncurry provided $5 million for the local economy. Also, the show can pay tribute to and incorporate the cultural significance of the area that they decide to film into the theme of the season and the challenges.

Additionally, the interest in participating in the last two seasons of Survivor New Zealand was high, where thousands of people applied to be on both show seasons. This interest will give the producers high scope to cast entertaining and engaging kiwis who are ready to do whatever it takes to be Sole Survivor. As shown by our response to COVID, kiwis have a can-do, team-orientated attitude that will be shown in a new light in Survivor. We have a perfect balance of people who can stick it out in rough terrain and those used to the concrete jungle, creating interesting dynamics and stimulating healthy debates in the tribes.

Overall, a locally filmed season of New Zealand Survivor will potentially give the series room to evolve, showcase our unique local environment and culture, and be an entertaining and dynamic addition to the greatest game on Earth.