After an exhaustive search, New Zealand now has its answer to the inimitable Donald Trump.
Wellington property developer and football team-owner Terry Serepisos will take on the role made famous by The Don on New Zealand's version of The Apprentice, due to screen on TV2 early next year.
Serepisos will
give the show's winner the role of his right-hand man, which has remained vacant since the death of his older brother, Kosta, who passed away from leukaemia in 2006.
"It'll be hard to fill my brother's shoes - that just won't happen. But this is a great opportunity for someone to come into the company at a high level," said Serepisos, 46.
About 1500 Kiwis have applied to be one of 14 competitors on the show, which pits aspiring business moguls against each other. The winner will get a six-figure salary at Serepisos' company Century City Ltd.
The show began in the US in 2004 and became a huge hit thanks to Trump's unnerving gaze and catch-cry of "You're fired!". Countries with their own versions of The Apprentice include the UK, Germany, Spain, China and Brazil.
The Greek-born Wellingtonian, who owns the Wellington Phoenix football team, said he is looking for creativity and honesty but most of all, someone with "drive".
Serepisos said Trump is an inspiration.
But he won't be emulating Trump's infamous auburn combover. "The hair's pretty crazy," he said.
"I won't be dying my hair orange, no."
