Serepisos to front The Apprentice

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 reality TV show The Apprentice.

The programme, 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.

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

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

- NZPA