Bachelor New Zealand - Season 3 - Zac Franich - Social Media - Media - *Sleuthing Spoilers*

The Bachelor NZ: Dominic Bowden dishes on the new season
Last updated 16:29, March 14 2017

What can viewers expect to see this season?
I really want people to go into this season with an open mind. Whatever they thought about the last season, it wasn't the result we wanted either, but that's life and that's love and sometime it is not meant to be.

I think I am as excited as anyone to get the show under way, I am a super fan of the format. At its heart, what we want this show to be is a journey that the viewers can go on with this guy who is really just trying to make a connection with these fantastic girls.

I believe this year we have a great selection of girls this season and we have Zac (Franich, this year's Bachelor), who is just a really genuine guy.

I've worked on enough productions to know when someone is a good guy. It is when they're nice to someone on camera and when the cameras go away, they are still that same genuine, nice person.

Why do you think The Bachelor is so popular amongst Kiwis?
It is because it is celebrating Kiwis. It is such a small country that you are likely to know someone who knows someone who is on the show.

I also think this show tries to celebrate that old-school way of meeting people and there is just a bit of kitsch-factor to it as well. It is a fun show to watch. It is a show you want to get together and watch and laugh at the ridiculousness these poor girls are put through.

In America, The Bachelor is the most social show on television and I think in New Zealand, when the show is on, it dominates social media. Living in LA, looking at my own social feed it, is like, "wow, The Bachelor New Zealand is on'. I think people really want to be a part of the conversation on the show. I don't think it is something you watch and forget about it, it is something you watch and discuss until it is on again, because people can't get enough.

In your opinion, what is Zac's best quality?
I guess his ability to be really open. Zac sort of talks about that it is not the New Zealand way to be open, but he just wants people to get a sense of who he is.

I have been in a television environment before and I know he will have some scrutiny and people asking if this is the real him, so I admire the fact he has put himself in this position and he is doing it very open-armed.

He comes from a really great family and I am sure that they will keep him grounded, but I think it is still a scary place to be.

Do you think Zac is ready for the scrutiny that comes with being on television?
I don't think anyone is ever ready for going from nothing to going to something like this just overnight. Just walking down the streets where he lives and being recognised must be an absurdly unusual experience.

From what we have done so far, he has been incredibly true to himself. He is who he is and I guess that is all he can do. I don't think anyone is ever ready for it and anyone that told you that they were would be lying.

It is a tough thing and my hat is off to him, because New Zealand can sometimes be quite harsh.

Do you think he will meet "the one"?
I think that more than anyone I have ever met, he believes in serendipity. I think that sometimes in life now, especially in this modern age, it can be a lot easier to be cynical, but Zac does have that belief that there is serendipity and love at first sight and a lot of that comes down to his parents.

His parents have been married for many, many years. When he talks about advice and about wanting to do right on the show, he often mentions his mum and dad.

I think they are first and foremost in his mind. Not only does he want to be a gentleman, but he is looking for what his parents have and, without giving to much away, there are indications that it could be getting that way.

If you were a bachelorette, how would you make a good first impression?
If I was a bachelorette! I'm a little bit privy to the man, so I would say things like, I was a huge surf lifesaving fan and I love the beach and family. In a wider sense, if my sister or my friend was going to go on, I would say you have to be who you are, because it is so difficult to fake it and be believable.

You will always get found out. If you say what you think he wants to hear, instead of what you actually feel, people can see right through it and that is what keeps people sitting there with popcorn on their lap.

Finally, most importantly, will you be doing any of your famous long pauses on The Bachelor NZ?
Unbelievable, the pause man! It will be on my tombstone! Of course, as I always say, it was the producers in my ear saying, "no no no", but of course there will be no producers in my ear, so if I want to do long pauses I will do them.

I am only kidding. There will be no long pauses from me, but I think that maybe Zac might be dropping a few in there. Certainly he has to make those really tough decisions and  we are dealing with a guy who is going to love every single minute of this experience, except that one.

I am passing the pause mantle on to Zac and I'm training him, but I don't think he will be able to beat my one-minute record that I did last season on The X Factor. It is something I have a plaque for and I am very proud of!

The Bachelor New Zealand 7pm, Sundays and 7.30pm, Mondays, Three.

- Stuff

Get the goss on the new Bachelor Zac Franich
byDominic BowdenMar 14, 2017



A-list insider and series host Dominic Bowden grills the lucky man!

Finally, The Bachelor New Zealand is back! I’m a massive fan of the series and I’m incredibly excited to be going on this journey with Aotearoa’s hottest new TV hunk as the Three show’s host – but we aren’t here to talk about me.

The handsome, hilarious and down-to-earth Kiwi bloke you’ve all been dying to meet is (drum roll, please) Zac Franich! The muscle-bound 28-year-old hails from Auckland’s Hibiscus Coast, works as a surf-lifesaving coach and has represented his country in sprint kayaking. Plus, he’s a bloody decent guy with a heart of gold. Still not convinced? Read my exclusive chat, where the Bachelor dishes all.

Does it feel strange to be called The Bachelor?
Man, it’s so weird. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be on TV, let alone looking for love in front of hundreds of New Zealanders. I’m not sure I’ll ever become fully comfortable with the title. This showbiz world is all very new to me – this is your domain, Dom! I’m stoked you are here with me, walking me down the aisle, so to speak.

Woah! I don’t know about walking you down the aisle. I’d like to think I’m in the mix for the wedding party, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves here! Is that what you are looking for - a wife?
Let’s just say that I’m really hopeful I can find the perfect someone to connect with, fall in love with and be my better half. This show is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I really feel like it’s a chance for me to grow as a person too – I’m looking forward to meeting the person I am on the other side.





Did someone put you up to applying?
Not exactly. A friend told me to throw my hat into the ring and I thought, “Why not?” When I got a reply, I remember thinking, “Oh, crap, what have I done?” It got very real very quickly. I’m more relaxed about it now. I’m confident in who I am as a person, so I’m going into the process being true to myself, genuine and honest, and trusting myself to make good decisions.

Do you believe in true love?
I believe in serendipity and fate, and that you meet people for a reason. I’ve always believed that you meet your soulmate when you’re ready and open to doing that – and I feel I am at that time in my life now.

You’re the lucky bugger who gets to date 21 women!
It’s going to be really hard and I don’t mean that sarcastically. I’m conscious that all the girls are putting themselves out there and have given up a lot to be on the show, like their jobs and leaving behind their family. I’m going to try to spend as much time with each of the girls as I can to really get to know them.

Speaking of girls, what feature do you notice first?
I’m an eyes guy. Some girls have the ability to really look into you – I find that attractive.

Your smoothest moment with a woman?
Once I flew home a week early from work to surprise my partner at the time. She was so happy. It was awesome.

How about your worst date ever?
The one where I got stood up.



The Bachelor gets stood up?
Yup, it happens to all of us. I’m just a normal guy.

If she could see you now…
No hard feelings. I’m sure she had her reasons.

Do you remember having the birds-and-bees chat?
Oh, God, it was the most awkward, longest, quietest conversation in the car with my father ever. It was on the way back from one of those school sex-ed talks and Dad tried to elaborate. Thankfully, you only have to have that conversation once.

How do you mentally prepare to be the Bachelor?
Jeepers, I’m not sure you can – I’m just going to be me and enjoy myself.

How about them guns? Don’t tell me you haven’t done any physical prep.
Look, I’m not going to lie. I did have to watch what I ate for a while, and I lost a bit of weight and gained a bit of muscle. The only thing that stood in the way of that was chocolate. To be honest, sugar and anything sweet are my biggest weaknesses. What they say is true – the way to this man’s heart is through his stomach.

On a scale of one to 10, how would you rate yourself as a boyfriend?
Man, I don’t know. A solid score – maybe a seven?




A seven? That’s not a great score.
OK, um, an 11 then!

Better! You say your dad is your greatest role model?
Your parents are your first role models and the people you are forever trying to impress. My old man is the person who I look to for advice and seek praise from.

Are you nervous about the prospect of one day introducing your father to your chosen ladies?
Man, absolutely, but it’s nervous excitement. Dad is really fair and impartial, and he’ll always give someone the benefit of the doubt.

Which celebrities would you swipe right for?
Easy! Jennifer Lawrence and Emily Blunt.

How about closer to home?
Samantha Hayes – she’s a babe. In fact, I’d swipe right for anyone who loves a good adventure.

What about a woman turns you on?
Confidence and great chat.

And what turns you off?
People who are closed-minded and rude to waiters.

What kind of work would you do for free?
Coaching. I love my job, I love kids and I never dread getting up and going to work.

What’s your greatest fear heading into this journey?
Coming across as someone I’m not. If I’m going to try to find that person, I’ve got to be really open and I won’t shy away from that. I’m not afraid to talk about things like feelings, love and even some darker demons that I’ve had to face. It’s a bit scary, but it’s part of how you grow as a person and I am ready to embrace that.

The wait is finally over, the search for true love has begun! #TheBachelorNZ pic.twitter.com/8qUY6vxLqO

— The Bachelor NZ (@TheBachelorNZ) March 19, 2017

Wise words from Mum #TheBachelorNZ pic.twitter.com/13HcO9WaU0

— The Bachelor NZ (@TheBachelorNZ) March 19, 2017

Our first Bachelorette Viarni! #TheBachelorNZ pic.twitter.com/UG6ful3yLu

— The Bachelor NZ (@TheBachelorNZ) March 19, 2017

Oh dear not the best start! #TheBachelorNZ pic.twitter.com/7voBV0xvhs

— The Bachelor NZ (@TheBachelorNZ) March 19, 2017

That's a novel entrance! #TheBachelorNZ pic.twitter.com/rA7OqJfiYp

— The Bachelor NZ (@TheBachelorNZ) March 19, 2017

So true! #TheBachelorNZ pic.twitter.com/bRVl88wA1w

— The Bachelor NZ (@TheBachelorNZ) March 19, 2017

Bel is pulling out all the tricks! #TheBachelorNZ pic.twitter.com/8Hs44D9Wvq

— The Bachelor NZ (@TheBachelorNZ) March 19, 2017

Let the drama begin! #TheBachelorNZ pic.twitter.com/VZeapJGZxI

— The Bachelor NZ (@TheBachelorNZ) March 19, 2017

Join us tomorrow at 7.30pm as the drama continues, what does the white rose mean? #TheBachelorNZ pic.twitter.com/KYlbJCzwG9

— The Bachelor NZ (@TheBachelorNZ) March 19, 2017

Less than an hour until the premiere of #TheBachelorNZ. In the meantime, see behind the scenes of our steamy shoot https://t.co/6jJpEtkXRa

— Woman's Day NZ (@WomansDayNZ) March 19, 2017