Hot Off the Press Release: New Home for Grand Designs NZ/UK
February 3, 2021 
3 Comments
TVNZ has snapped up Grand Designs NZ after yesterday’s news that there wouldn’t be another season on Three following presenter Chris Moller’s decision to quit the series.
The deal also includes rights to the UK original, which will premiere on TVNZ 1 in April.
Both shows will be a major loss for Three as they’re popular prime-time staples, although the network’s haphazard scheduling of Grand Designs UK has been shabby.
Here’s the media release:
GRAND DESIGNS NEW ZEALAND RELOCATES TO TVNZ 1
TVNZ 1 will be the new home of Grand Designs New Zealand when the seventh season returns to screens in 2022.
As well as a new home on TVNZ 1, Grand Designs New Zealand also has a new host, British-born architect Tom Webster. Tom steps into the shoes of successor Chris Moller, who has chosen to step away from television after six years to concentrate on his architectural practice.
TVNZ Director of Content Cate Slater says, “We’re delighted to bring the renowned format to TVNZ 1. Grand Designs New Zealand is captivating to watch, and it will be a prominent addition to our ever-popular line-up of property, renovation, and design shows. Tom will bring a fresh perspective to the show, and we look forward to following the journeys of more dreamers as they take on the challenge of building unique and inspirational homes in Aotearoa.”
Tom’s experience lies within a broad-spectrum including projects for Google, master planning at Windsor Castle and designing a race car for world rally champion Colin McRae. He recently collaborated on the highly acclaimed Hotel Britomart, New Zealand’s first five Green Star hotel in downtown Auckland.\
“It’s a real honour to be associated with Grand Designs,” enthuses Tom. “I thoroughly enjoy watching the series and have great respect for how the show manages to bring an area of specialist knowledge to a wider audience.
“I love the human aspect of it and am looking forward to building a relationship with the courageous people who are happy to bare their dreams in the public eye. It will be a real privilege to understand and communicate their stories.”
Tom will invite audiences on the challenging and inspirational journeys of Kiwis risking all to pursue their vision of a dream home in the next season of Grand Designs New Zealand.
Grand Designs New Zealand is produced by Imagination Television.
Fans of the franchise don’t have to wait until 2022 to get their fix, Grand Designs UK with host Kevin McCloud will be coming to TVNZ 1 in April.
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February 10, 2021 at 11:54 am
Will Three buy a new programme to replace Grand Designs UK/NZ?
The problem, Sheldon, will be finding one with a built-in name or brand recognition. The loss of Grand Designs is a big blow for the network but I don’t think a replacement is critical to Three’s strategy, with its 7.30 factual entertainment programming, outside The Block/Love at First Sight etc strips, is more focused on gaming and variety. It’s relegated most of its lifestyle content to off-peak.
I agree, the state of Three, which is always airing stripped reality programming, either NZ, Australia or USA, clogging up the schedule available. Which network might buy an interesting new programme which is not quite the lifestyle of Grand Designs that sadly might never air to justify the expense.