How the cast of The Block sizes up

The cast of The Block NZ: Villa Wars.

Get to know the new contestants of The Block NZ: Villa Wars.

Brooke and Mitch (purple)

Mitch may be a plumber but he knows a thing or two about romance. As a gesture of his love, he once made Brooke, his girlfriend of eight years, a map of New Zealand for her wall - out of a toilet cistern.

Brooke and Mitch.

The thrifty gift contrasts Brooke's self-confessed addition to shopping, although, as a personal banker, she does manage to keep control of the couple's finances. They are currently living with Mitch's parents in Christchurch and eager to get their own place so they can start a family.

Cat and Jeremy (yellow)

Cat and Jeremy have been together ever since Jeremy's big grin and cheeky pick-up lines charmed Cat on a New Plymouth dancefloor four years ago. Despite Cat's self-described "abnormally long arms" Jeremy fell for her too and they've been together ever since.

Cat and Jeremy.

These days, they are sometimes so busy that even being able to have a quick coffee together is a treat, and Cat hopes entering The Block will shake things up and stop them getting stuck in a rut. Jeremy is an art director with plenty of experience in industrial design, which could give the yellow team an edge.

Jamie and Hayden (orange)

Fiances Jamie and Hayden have been through a lot together in four years. Their first date involved a towed car and a broken leg but despite it all they claim to never have raised their voices at one another.

Jamie and Hayden.

We'll see whether that's still the case by the end of the Block as Jamie's "extremely competitive" nature could mean her temper runs short with Hayden. For his part, Jamie reckons he can convince people to do "almost anything," so maybe he'll just charm his way through the tough times.

Sarah and Minanne (blue)

Sisters Sarah and Minanne are not to be underestimated. The pair grew up around renovations, learning at their builder father's knee while he tinkered away at their Hamilton home.

Despite their tiny size, they say they're deceptively strong and they reckon they balance each other well: Sarah is quite considered, but Minanne is not afraid to make a quick decision.

Sarah and Minanne.

Both say they are not afraid to voice their opinion and as anyone with siblings knows, there is no argument like a family argument; so whether that strong will works in their favour or not remains to be seen.

- nzherald.co.nz