Kiwi fans call for The Block to be axed after finale’s dismal profits

Kiwi couples on The Block New Zealand have netted some of the lowest profits in the show’s history, as fans call for the show to be axed.

The winning couple on the finale of New Zealand’s The Block have netted just $NZD4000 ($AU3046) in a record-low auction result for the local franchise.

Auckland-based friends Chloe Hes and Ben Speedy made the dismal profit on auction day after three months building their home in the major city’s suburb of Orewa.

Their reserve price was set at $NZD1.141 million, with the home ultimately selling for $NZD1.145 million. Thankfully, they received $NZD100,000 in prize money for coming out on top.

The winning couple on The Block New Zealand netted just $4000 on auction day.

To make matters even more dire, the couple who came in second place, Maree and James Steele, made just $NZD100 ($AU76) once their home sold.

“We’ve got petrol money!” Maree joked.

Things weren’t faring any better for the remaining two pairs, whose properties were passed in.

The horror outcome of the series, hosted by ‘New Zealand Scott Cam’ Mark Richardson, has left many viewers calling for the show to be scrapped after nine seasons, particularly at a time when the cash rate continues to hike.

Watching Mark Richardson trying to polish a turd on The Block NZ by telling the desperately disappointed contestants “the price isn’t that far off” as house after house fails to meet reserve 😬

This format is DEAD!

— Graham Surrey (@grahamsurrey) October 9, 2022

Mark Richardson announces that The Block NZ is coming back for 2023 after 3 out of 4 couples get essentially nothing for 3 months of work in the 2022 final.

Who’s going to be dumb enough to take part in this scam next year?!

— Graham Surrey (@grahamsurrey) October 9, 2022

Surely this means the end of The Block NZ - that was horrible watching… absolutely horrible. Those poor people… $100… and those others with nothing. Stop the carnage!

— Stephen Lethbridge (@stephen_PtC) October 9, 2022

Second house passed in under reserve - $50k.
If this doesn't suggest that THE BLOCK has had its day in NZ, I don't know what does. @TheBlockNZ#theblocknz22#House1@ThreeNewZealand

— Sarah McMullan (@SarahMcMullanNZ) October 9, 2022

The Block NZ results tonight were grim. Surely no one will apply to be on the next season?!

— Krystle Field (@KrystleF) October 9, 2022

Despite the disappointing profit, winners Chloe and Ben conceded they knew what they were getting into when they signed up to star on The Block.

Chloe said on local radio Monday morning she didn’t have high hopes considering the state of the market.

“We were well aware when we signed up that the market wasn’t looking great, [and we thought] whatever happens, happens. The day of auction, I was prepared for our house not to sell,” she said.

It was a dire auction day for Block NZ contestants.

“The Block itself is such a fun experience, the three months you hang out with friends, the crew, and getting involved in a different industry and all of that stuff.

“And spending money that’s not yours.”

Closer to home, The Block Australia has been largely successful in terms of profits.

However, 2015’s season proved to be a massive disappointment for two couples, Michael and Carlene and Darren and Deanne, who were left devastated after taking home just $10,000 each.