Who is your pick for NZ's next top model?
Email the Herald on Sunday with 'Top Model' in the subject line
KEY POINTS:
The producers of New Zealand's Next Top Model put the cat into catwalk this week - with at least one finalist transformed into a lion.
The contestant, complete with bouffant "mane" and cat-like makeup, was spotted nibbling on a vegetarian snack outside a photography studio as the fight for the title hotted up.
With filming well underway for TV3's version of the international hit reality show, the remaining girls were whisked around Auckland to pose for photoshoots and compete in challenges designed to weed out weaker contestants.
Several of the girls were sporting the results of makeovers. Brunettes were turned blondes and long locks chopped into stylish pixie cuts.
Just 10 of the 13 finalists were seen emerging from their temporary home in a $4.3 million mansion this week - a strong suggestion the cut-throat judging panel has already returned unlucky contestants back to reality.
The remaining models were treated to an appearance by kooky fashion designer Lucie Boshier and model Ngahuia Williams.
The inside word is that Williams - best known as the model who fronted campaigns for fashion label Max - has been hired to live in the mansion as a "mother hen", teaching the girls about the grace and poise needed to be a model.
But Williams appeared to be finding it hard to take her own advice when she scrambled clumsily over the mansion's electronic fence, flashing her knickers to passers-by.
Boshier, who is rumoured to be supplying clothing for photoshoots, said she was not allowed to say anything about her involvement with the show.
"But I can't wait for it to start on TV. I really want to watch the whole thing."
Photographer Aaron K, who works from the Grey Lynn photography studio where the wildlife look was spotted, said he had not been involved with any of the shoots but had "heard a few rumours. I don't know a lot, but they haven't asked me to shoot for them - yet."
The hush-hush nature of the show means contact between the models and their families is being closely monitored by producers.
Family members have been warned not to talk to any media, particularly after the Herald on Sunday revealed the location of the model mansion last week.
But one source hinted there could be an exciting twist in the filming schedule, which would see the final few contestants flown overseas, possibly to meet supermodel Tyra Banks, the host and creator of America's Next Top Model, who often makes an appearance on international versions of the show.
The model mansion is owned by Orcon founder Seeby Woodhouse, who bought the house after its previous owner, party pill millionaire Logan Millar, committed suicide there in 2007.
The Campbells Bay home, on Auckland's North Shore, houses a multitude of fancy features, such as a wet bar, indoor and outdoor jacuzzis and a dancing pole in the master bedroom.
Woodhouse said last week he thought the dancing pole would feature in the show.
Neighbours of the model mansion said they had seen more of the girls this week - wandering along the driveway of the house and being picked up by the Top Model bus.
"They all seem really happy and excited to be there," said one neighbour. "I've heard a lot of giggling and seen them running on to the bus that comes to pick them up.
"I've seen them in their bikinis again out by the pool on a sunny day, which is pretty cool."
The finalists have been whittled down from an initial group of 33 girls aged 16 to 25, chosen after a series of nationwide auditions. They were chosen by host Sara Tetro, who runs Auckland agency 62 Models & Talent, former model Chris Sisarich and model/actor Colin Mathura-Jeffree.
The winner will land a magazine cover shoot and representation from a modelling agency.
TV3 have confirmed a release date for the show but are keeping the date under wraps.
* Diary of a Top Model
Tuesday: The finalists have glammed up and had their makeovers.
They're spotted hopping on to the Top Model bus - hiding their new looks beneath headscarves - and head to a photographic studio in Auckland's Grey Lynn. The models later appear outside the studio dressed as animals, with one made up to look like a lion.
"Mother hen" Ngahuia Williams is spotted walking in and out of the house with the models and fashion designer Lucie Boshier hangs around drinking coffee during the shoot.
Wednesday: A couple of models are snatched up by Ngahuia and taken to an unknown location in her car before returning a couple of hours later and rushing back into the house.
A series of trucks come one-by-one to the mansion, including a pool cleaner, an Elite Fitness truck and a Junk2Go van.
Thursday: The girls are whisked away to another shoot at a Ponsonby studio.
The girls, Ngahuia included, appear to be getting frustrated with the electronic gate at the Top Model mansion and have taken to jumping the fence instead - and they're not worried about flashing their knickers in the process.
Friday: A possible day off for the hard-working finalists as the mansion remained unusually quiet all day.
The wild wet weather could have put a damper on any outdoor filming, and the girls stayed tucked up inside.
