The Diary: Heidi Klum wants Auckland to judge her undies

The show is shooting series 10 and will launch on Feb 12. Photo / AP

An episode for the upcoming season of Germany's Next Top Model will be filmed in Auckland next week when the show's host, judge and co-executive producer, Heidi Klum, is in town to promote her new Bendon Lingerie campaign and partnership.

Three contestants on the programme are flying in from Germany, The Diary can reveal, to take part in a secret elimination episode.

Part of their challenge is to model the Heidi Klum range of undies in a runway show before a discerning bunch of Kiwi media next Friday.

The night before, Kiwi models will get their turn at a party honouring Klum at SkyCity with VIPs and NRL Nines dignitaries in attendance, including Bendon boss Eric Watson and the Warriors.

Reps for Klum and Bendon did not want to discuss the show's filming here or the supermodel's involvement.

Confidentiality is tight and reps are keen to prevent any secrets about the TV show being revealed before the series screens in Germany next month. The Diary was told that in no way could we release the names of the contestants.

The reality programme, with a German audience of up to five million, is shooting series 10 and will launch on February 12.

It is unclear how many GNTM production crew members are here, where they are staying, or how much they will be spending on our local economy. It is clear, though, this is an opportunity that will boost our tourism profile in Europe - and Klum's too.

Klum should be praised for bringing GNTM here to film, and showcasing New Zealand to European audiences.

Auckland is one of four international destinations in the series - the others are Los Angeles, Miami and San Francisco.

Tourism New Zealand said it had been working with producers, and had worked with many reality television shows, such as The Amazing Race, The Bachelor, The Biggest Loser and Next Top Model, as part of their international media programme.

"Having New Zealand as the destination for episodes of these shows provides a third party endorsement for the country and helps reach a significant number of households we would not otherwise reach," said corporate affairs boss Deborah Gray.

Klum's aim is to leverage off her various business enterprises.

It is a fortuitous opportunity for her and a savvy marketing endeavour for NZ.