The Block NZ: Star kept family tragedy quiet during filming

One of the stars of The Block NZ says tragedy struck her family while she was filming the reality show.

In an interview with Woman's Day, Stace Cottrill revealed she lost a family member to suicide while she was on the show.

"I never took time out when it happened - I was in a state of shock," Cottrill says.

In a statement released to the Herald, Mediaworks said producers weren't aware of the tragedy.

"Stace kept this private during filming and it was not known to production," a spokesperson said.

Stacey Cottrill and Yanita Mcleay competed together on The Block NZ.

But Cottrill and her Palmerston North bestie and Block partner Yanita McLeay have pledged to donate their Givealittle proceeds - set up after their narrow loss on the show - to Lifeline Aotearoa.

"Suicide touches so many people and it doesn't need to. If this money makes even the tiniest bit of difference, then it's worth it," Cottrill tells WD.

So grateful for the @givealittle page created for us 🙏 We'll be donating all funds to @LLAotearoa. Thank you New Zealand. #beautifulpeople

— Stace (@StaceCottrill) September 19, 2017

Their Givealittle page has had $3536 donated by 146 people.

Cottrill and McLeay were thought to have won the sixth season of The Block NZ until a last minute decision let Nate and Andy return for a second auction.

Their $31,000 profit meant they took home the $100,000 prize and left Stace and Yanita struggling for composure.

It also sparked an outcry by viewers who questioned whether the second auction should have been allowed.

But in a follow-up interview with the Herald, they said they had no hard feelings.

"We know that that can happen at an auction ... It did happen. Absolutely it's fair that they won," said McLeay.

Where to get help:

• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youth services: (06) 3555 906
• Youthline: 0800 376 633
• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
• The Word
• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
• CASPER Suicide Prevention
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.