‘We love it here’: Could Timaru become the permanent home of popular reality show?
Thursday, 23 October 2025
As filming on the third season of New Zealand reality television show The Traitors wraps in Timaru this week, its executive producer is full of praise for the area.
“Filming The Traitors in South Canterbury is like capturing lightning in a bottle, it’s rare and special,” South Pacific Pictures (SPP) managing director Andrew Szusterman said.
Szusterman, who is also the executive producer of the show, said the discovery of Castle Claremont, on Mt Horrible Rd, had been “the first sign we’d found something unique”.
“The incredible locations, along with the strong relationships we’ve built with the Timaru District Council and Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua (Ngāi Tahu), have made producing such a demanding show remarkably smooth,” Szusterman said.
Not only was Timaru’s Castle Claremont host to the Kiwi version of the reality show for the second consecutive season, this year it also saw the Australian version shot there.
“We love it here and plan to keep filming both The Traitors Australia and The Traitors New Zealand in this region for as long as we’re welcome.”
The Australian version, hosted by Gretel Killeen, of Big Brother fame, had been commissioned for Network 10, and was shot first, with the third season of the New Zealand show immediately after.
Kiwi actress and comedian Madeleine Sami would replace previous host Paul Henry for the third season which would screen on Sky Free’s Three and ThreeNow.
And the production company is aiming for more.
“We love making this gripping and addictive format and now we’ve established The Traitors Southern Hemisphere hub, our goal is to continue making multiple versions of the show for years to come,” Szustermann said.
“The New Zealand production industry benefits immensely when we shoot The Traitors on location in New Zealand. It’s a joy to witness our world class production team back in action.”
The third season of The Traitors NZ was made with the support of NZ on Air and Screen Canterbury, while The Traitors Australia had the support of the New Zealand Screen Production Rebate.
NZ On Air head of funding, Amie Mills, said the show demonstrated how public funding could work alongside commercial investment to deliver a version of the show that felt “distinctly Kiwi”.
“It’s a standout local show with impressive on-demand viewing figures and international acclaim that successfully showcases Aotearoa to both local and global audiences, aligning with our commitment to fostering a vibrant screen sector,” Mills said.
Screen Canterbury head of commercial and skills attraction, Paul Wilkinson, said The Traitors NZ had injected $1.5 million into the region last year, supporting more than 30 local companies and employing more than 70 crew, a third of them local.
He said it was hoped the region would be chosen as a long-term location for the series.
“It’s a leading global format showcasing our region, our capabilities and drives long-term benefits through screen tourism.
“… we will happily welcome them back,” he said.
The Traitors, which premiered in the Netherlands in 2021, had seen more than 30 adaptations made and pitched contestants against each other in a social deduction game.
The show was created and developed by IDTV and POSVIDEO in co-operation with RTL Creative Unit. All3Media International is responsible for international distribution of the format.
IDTV executive vice president Kevin Soares said they were excited to have SPP at the helm of the NZ and Australian productions.
“Their creativity and strong storytelling have delivered unforgettable seasons, and this new hub opens up thrilling opportunities for The Traitors to expand even further across the Asia–Pacific.
“Alongside The Traitors’ global partner All3Media International we can’t wait to see the format reach new audiences, spark fresh intrigue, and deliver even more unforgettable moments across the region.”