The White Lotus star joins top comics in Taskmaster NZ new season
Taskmaster New Zealand is back for its seventh season with its most star-studded cast yet.
The season premieres September 14 on TVNZ 2 and TVNZ+, and the chaotic cast features a face familiar to fans of the show, as well as a celebrity who recently checked out of The White Lotus.
Radio Hauraki and Seven Sharp presenter Jeremy Wells returns as host, alongside his assistant, comedian Paul Williams.
A favourite with audiences, the points-scoring comedy game was made famous by United Kingdom comic Greg Davies as The Taskmaster, created by British comedian Alex Horne, and has spawned spinoffs including UK Junior Taskmaster, hosted by New Zealand comedian Rose Matafeo.
So who is stepping up to the plate to bring home the coveted Taskmaster New Zealand trophy?
Actor Morgana O'Reilly. Photo / TVNZ
Morgana O’Reilly
She’s well-versed in chaos as an employee of The White Lotus hotel, so the funny actor should fare well in the Taskmaster arena.
The Emmy-winner recently starred in Tom Sainsbury’s Small Town Scandal, as well as her film Stories About My Body, and says she can’t wait for the audience to look inside her mind.
“For someone entirely uncompetitive, this is the perfect game show for me. There was no time to overthink a task at hand, so you will see right into my brain. I will come across somewhere between deranged and idiotic, so, basically normal.”
Comedian Rhys Mathewson. Photo / TVNZ
Rhys Mathewson
Stand-up favourite, writer and all-round funny man, Mathewson is sure to bring chaos to the Taskmaster house.
The Surblibor comedy show host says becoming part of this legendary cast meant he could tick it off his bucket list.
“Being a contestant on Taskmaster was a dream come true – the greatest job in New Zealand. That said, I will never forgive Paul Williams for what he put me through.”
Comedian Hoana Hotene. Photo / TVNZ
Hoani Hotene
Fresh from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the 2025 Billy T Award-winning comedian is ready to bask in Taskmaster glory.
Hotene (Ngāti Hauā) says he can’t wait to show audiences what went on when the cameras started rolling and the timer started.
“I’ve never been more excited for something that, at times, makes me look so dumb.”
Actor Dave Fane. Photo / TVNZ
Dave Fane
He’s one of the most legendary names in the New Zealand entertainment scene, and now Fane is bringing his trademark laugh to the Taskmaster house.
He got his start as a founding member of comedy group The Naked Samoan’s before co-creating bro’Town, starring in Our Flag Means Death, and voice acting in Moana 2 and Zootopia 2. But the actor says this experience topped them all.
“Taskmaster New Zealand was the best time I’ve had, with the best group of contestants, led by the best hosts and we all had the best attitude to failing.
“After all, why come first when you can come last? It’s all a state of mind,” Fane says.
Comedian Rose Matafeo. Photo / TVNZ
Rose Matafeo
Comedian Matafeo is a familiar face to Taskmaster fans. She starred in season nine of the UK version, where she placed second behind winner Ed Gamble, and plays the Taskmaster on Junior Taskmaster UK.
She’s gained critical acclaim for her comedy and writing, created and starred in hit BBC series Starstruck, and the 2020 local film Baby Done. So what’s prompted the star’s Aotearoa homecoming?
“I had to pop home for a few things, so I thought I’d pick up the trophy while I was down there.”
Taskmaster NZ premieres September 14 at 7.30pm on TVNZ 2 and TVNZ+.
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