Children's host a techno freak

Charlie Panapa co-hosts New Zealand's longest-running children's show, What Now. He answered Gabriel Pollard's quick-fire questions.

What TV shows do you like to watch?

I love watching reality TV, it's my guilty pleasure. Also, I'm the biggest fan of Ellen and, of course, What Now! Fringe is also a favourite of mine.

Do you still like to watch cartoons?

I love cartoons, but I definitely think the older ones are better than a lot of the cartoons made today.

Which of the old cartoons did you like the best?

I love the original Transformers cartoons and also He Man and Thundercats. But you can't beat Captain Planet!

What do you like most about TV?

I love that TV has the ability to entertain, teach and inform, however, I don't think that it should replace real-life experiences, so enjoy watching TV but make sure you get out there and live life as well.

What kind of TV set-up do you have at home?

There's a huge flatscreen TV in the lounge and I also have a 32-inch flatscreen, which is in storage at the moment.

Who's your favourite movie director?

I really enjoy Tim Burton movies. They are so dark, yet innocent at the same time. I can't wait for Alice in Wonderland.

What movies have you recently gone to the cinema to watch?

I managed to catch a few movies during the summer break:

New Zealand movie Under the Mountain got poor reviews but I really enjoyed it.

Avatar 3D - Amazing!

The Lovely Bones - Very sad but well made. Good job Sir Peter Jackson.

Nine - I was really disappointed with this one.

Sherlock Holmes - You gotta love a cool blockbuster.

Planet 51 - I think animated movies are way cool.

I would love to go to the cinema more often, it's just that they are so expensive. I love the act of going into a cinema, the smell of popcorn and the lights dimming before the screen comes to life.

Do you still own and use a VCR?

A VC what??? Ha! No, I don't own a VCR, however, I just moved in with my friend Catie, who does own one. I didn't even know they still existed. LOL!

Most used technology at home and at work?

I am a techno freak. I love technology. At home I am always on my MacBook. It's my baby. I never leave home without it. Also, I am always using my iPod shuffle and iPod Touch. In the office, when we aren't filming, I'm generally found researching from my desk on my computer.

What do you think of social networking sites, such as Facebook?

I know by answering this question I'm going to get a whole heap of random friend requests, but yes I love Facebook. I've done my dash on Bebo and MySpace. I gave Twitter a go, but it really didn't do it for me.

What Now airs Sundays, 8am TV2.

- © Fairfax NZ News