Zac Franich has been revealed as the star of the upcoming season of The Bachelor NZ.
The 28-year-old hails from the Hibiscus Coast, where he works full time as the head coach at the Orewa Surf Life Saving Club.
Franich describes himself as a 'laid-back Kiwi bloke', but is no stranger to high pressure environments, having represented New Zealand in the sport of sprint kayaking.
I sat down with Franich to find out more about him before The Bachelor NZ kicks off on Three in March.
You're a qualified life guard, competed internationally at sprint kayaking and coach surf lifesavers. How did you develop your water-sport skills?
I've trained twice a day since I was 13-years-old. I'm no stranger to hard work.
Do you prefer backstroke or... breaststroke?
Ha ha, I enjoy freestyle!
Do you work out at the gym as well?
Part of my training for sprint kayaking has been at the gym and running, but there's no one specific way I keep fit, I'm just active in a lot of different ways. I'm fortunate in that I have to be active to do my job properly.
How does it feel to be the next Bachelor?
It's massively flattering. I never thought I was the type of person who would be picked for something like this. I feel stoked and privileged, I reckon it's going to be fun.
What are you looking for in a partner?
Someone who is able to challenge me. I'm looking for someone outgoing, adventurous, independent, caring, friendly, sociable. It's a hard one because you kind of have this idea in your head, then you meet someone who may not have all of those qualities, but there's a certain something they have that just fits.
Do you have a 'type' of woman?
I don't really have a type, I wouldn't go for a blonde or a brunette. It's more about the kind of person they are.
Why haven't you met Ms Right yet?
I have been really heavily involved in my sport and often in that environment, it's really hard to commit. I never do anything half-heartedly. So, I can't commit 100 percent to my sporting career and 100 percent to a relationship, it's been a tricky conundrum. Also I don't think it's a case of not being able to meet Ms Right - I wouldn't have a problem going to a bar and talking to a girl. But this opportunity is really unique and it says a lot about the girls I'm about to meet that they're willing to put themselves out there as well.
How will you cope with cameras recording intimate moments with the ladies?
It will probably be quite awkward at first. I'm not sure how anyone prepares for that sort of situation. I guess I've just got to trust the experience and become comfortable with it. To get the most out of this, I'm going to have to let my guard down, be myself and just try and forget about the cameras.
If money wasn't an issue, what would be your ideal first date?
It would be something pretty simple - it'd be an activity followed by some chill time. Maybe we'd go on a hike somewhere, find something like a high waterfall to jump off, then maybe a picnic with some drinks. Sitting down and enjoying someone's company for a while, you can learn a lot about them.
Even if money was no issue, you wouldn't want like a private jet to Las Vegas and a Cirque du Soleil show or something like that?
No, if you did something like that, she'd be expecting that all the time and I'd be broke! It'd be back to picking her up in my old car and no more fancy jet.
What are you most looking forward to about The Bachelor?
The chance of meeting my someone special. Any guy, if given the opportunity to meet the love of his life - I don't care who you are, you're going to find that exciting.
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The Bachelor NZ with Zac Franich launches on Three in March.
Newshub.
