Serepisos to become New Zealand's Donald Trump

ANDREW GORRIE/ The Dominion Post

THE HOST WITH THE MOST: Terry Serepisos will front the Kiwi version of reality programme The Apprentice which will air next year.

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He might not have the comb-over, but millionaire Wellington property developer Terry Serepisos is to be New Zealand's answer to Donald Trump.

The Phoenix football team owner has been chosen as the host of a local version of The Apprentice. The reality-TV show, an international hit with Trump as host, pits teams of aspiring entrepreneurs against each other.

One unlucky loser is turfed off the show every week to the words "You're fired", before the eventual winner lands a plum job in the host's firm.

Mr Serepisos told Close Up he was not nervous about the role.

"I guess a little bit, but I'm not shy of the camera, so I'm okay with that."

He was still unsure what nickname he might get tagged with, but his admiration for the original host was clear.

"He's the man, without a doubt. He's a very successful and a very creative man."

The winner of the New Zealand show will get a six-figure salary at one of Mr Serepisos' companies.

Philip Smith, one of the show's executive producers, said Mr Serepisos was ideal for the role because he had made his own fortune.

"He's clearly an entrepreneur with a lot of spirit and a lot of life."

The show will be based in Auckland, but it will travel around the country – starting with filming of Mr Serepisos at the All Whites' football match against Bahrain next month.

"I think Wellington will play quite a prominent role in it," Mr Smith said.

The new host has already been trying out Trump's "You're fired" line. "He's been practising and I thought he did it quite well," Mr Smith said.

Mr Serepisos was one of five prominent businessmen considered for the role.

Fellow Wellington property magnate Sir Robert Jones, who was initially touted as a possible host, said last night that he would never watch the show.

"I'm still scarred from sitting through that other show, Dragon's Den," he said – another programme about business, on which he was a judge.

"My understanding is that [Trump] bullies people around. I would never do that. I find it undignified."

About 1500 Kiwis have applied for the show's 14 competitors' slots.

TYCOON TERRY

* Estimated to be worth $140 million on this year's NBR rich list.

* As of May, held a 16-building Wellington property portfolio that he said was worth about $450m.

* Owns the Phoenix football team, which lost him $2.5m during its first two seasons.

* Brought David Beckham and the LA Galaxy to Wellington in 2007.

* Started out in business by opening men's fashion store Trillini, which expanded to six stores around Wellington.

* Moved into property by buying a derelict Wellington building from Sir Ron Brierley for $950,000 and converting it into apartments.

* Has sponsored everything from racing's Wellington Cup to the Saints basketball team.Known for his love of glitzy parties, high fashion and luxury cars – with a collection that has included a Lamborghini and a Ferrari.