The Bachelor NZ: Is this what that white rose does?

Zac Franich and that white rose. What does it mean? Photo/Three

It was the night's big talking point.

No, not how sick the new Bachelor star, Zac Franich, looked as he met the 19 Bachelorettes he's set to date all at the same time over the coming weeks.

We're talking about that white rose he clutched firmly with two hands while wandering around his first cocktail party.

The Bachelor Zac Franich with that white rose. Photo/Three

It's the first time a white rose has been used in The Bachelor NZ and producers are yet to explain how it works.

But in overseas versions of the show, a white rose has symbolised immunity for two elimination cycles, or that the bearer has her own private cocktail area to use with The Bachelor as they wish.

Zac Franich with Viarni and that white rose. Photo/Three

Ahead of tonight's first elimination ceremony, which will see three girls sent home, many are wondering what it means.

"That rose is freaking me out a little bit," said one of the Bachelorettes.

Twitter and Facebook users agreed, with one saying: "Maybe they get a one on one date with him?"

The white rose is the friendzone rose, that girl hangs out drinking double brown listening to Zac talk about who he likes #TheBachelorNZ

— Ben Thomas (@BenThomasNZ) March 19, 2017

The white rose should mean you get to choose who's eliminated next. THAT'S the kind of game changing shit I can get behind. #TheBachelorNZ

— Melanie Bracewell (@meladoodle) March 19, 2017

The white Rose is the "ghost rose". He's been asked to find the one ghost bachelorette #TheBachelorNZ

— James Roque (@jamesroque) March 19, 2017