The Block NZ axed amid dismal auction profits

The New Zealand version of the renovation show has been dumped after its last finale saw the runner-up profit under $100.

The New Zealand version of The Block has been cancelled ahead of its scheduled 11th season.

The renovation show’s dumping is part of a restructure at Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), which owns the Three network – broadcast home to The Block. 

Four properties had already been bought by the local free-to-air network, with teams also locked in to start filming in Browns Bay, north of Auckland, in coming weeks.

But after the show was postponed in 2023 following a disastrous finale in 2022 – the difficult housing market in the area has seemingly made the format untenable.

The Block New Zealand has been axed ahead of its 11th season.

“When we announced our business restructure earlier this year, we indicated that WBD would no longer make fully funded local shows, which includes The Block NZ,” a spokesperson for WBD said.

“Existing sponsors had been told that we would contact them if the show was going ahead, and they would have first right of renewal.”

The Block New Zealand, which first aired in 2012, had been helmed by host Mark Richardson since its inception.

The former cricketer said he’d accepted the show’s fate some time ago.

“When we were told a year or so ago it was on hold, I thought it was unlikely to come back, and I’ve moved on,” he said.

Block NZ longtime host Mark Richardson.

Indeed, the 2022 final auction proved the nail in the coffin for the franchise, with winning couple Chloe Hes and Ben Speedy netting a record-low $NZD4000 following three months of labour.

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.

But the couple who came in second place, Maree and James Steele, made just $NZD100 once their home sold.

“We’ve got petrol money,” Maree joked at the time.

It couldn’t be a more different story closer to home, with Australia’s The Block proving largely successful in terms of profits over the years.

The Block Australia continues to be successful for Channel 9. Picture: Nine Network

In it’s most recent 19th season, which aired late last year, winning duo Steph and Gian took home an eye-watering, record-breaking profit of $1.65 million. The lowest scoring couple was Kristy and Brett, who made $65,000.

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.

Filming for the upcoming 20th anniversary season has started on Phillip Island, around two hours drive from Melbourne.