Benefitz account manager Char Oliver went outside her comfort zone early this year, taking part in a home renovation show called House Rules NZ. The show involved 10 contestants spending five days renovating a section of each other's houses, with a list of rules from the homeowners the only obstacle to their creativity.
The show aired weekly on TV Three from Sunday through to Tuesday at 7.30pm in August, September and October. It is also available to view on ThreeNow. Char’s 73 year-old-mother Violet Oliver put herself and Char forward for the new series. Following the completion of show we talked to mother of three Char about her experience.
Channel Mag: Char, we’ve read that it was your mother Violet’s idea to go on the show. Can you elaborate on how this all came about?
Char: I remember the phone call clearly “Char, I’ve found a way to get your house renovated!” That was the lead-in. She said she had seen an ad on tv, completed half the application and I just needed to complete the other half and she would submit. It’s funny, I’ve had many calls like this over the years – Mum comes up with many ideas. Often interesting and varied. The Wearable Arts is another example. I had no idea what it was. She entered us, and before I knew it I was skip-diving, hauling out venetian blinds. Our first entry into WoW, was called ‘Love is Blind’ and we won!
How many people applied and why do you think you were selected?
Not exactly sure of application numbers but it was a vigorous process. Physiological, house and building assessments, financial checks and police checks, but once through that – I guess mum and I were a good fit – a two-women team! And always keen for fun. Proven winners, competitive spirit and a creative track record. But I didn’t think we would have been selected – I thought our ages would have prevented us. (We were old enough to be the mother of most of the contestants.) Goes to show – you are never to old!
What was involved in getting prepared for the show filming and how long did that filming take?
There wasn’t a lot to prepare prior to the overall show. Just turn up – put your tool belt on, pick up your Ryobi, maybe tape-measure first, and start! However, when it came time to renovate your home – each team had to move out of their house completely, and move back in a week later. Every item was securely stored with National Mini Storage. As ours was the last house, after four house renos then having to pack a whole home in a few days was a huge task!
You and your mum both admit to being competitive. You gained a reputation on the show for judging pretty harshly. What was that all about?
A great question. There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes – that no one sees on screen. And ‘reality’ tv is an interesting name for something that is questionably real life.
But the truth is we did score harshly and it didn’t come naturally – mum and I aren’t those kind of people. But when push came to shove – the nature of the programme is that it's a ‘game’. We are competitive and if you looked at the numbers, there was no other way forward. People do think of us coldly for that move, but it’s a great question to ask ourselves, especially in this day and age when you have a family you love, living is expensive – “Would you turn down a one in three chance to win a $100,000 BNZ payment off your mortgage, for your family?”
Did you enjoy your brush with stardom and the experience? Would you do something like that again?
Ha-ha! Probably not. Some days I think yes, as what an experience it was and the opportunity to renovate. I love colour! Choosing Resene colours, Carpet Court flooring, tiles from Tile Depot, designing kitchens and bathrooms, was great fun.
You are obviously back hard at work at Benefitz now. What do you enjoy about the role?
I have always loved dealing with people. We have a great team here. I love creativity and the opportunities I see here for our clients. With 35 years in business, Benefitz is reliable and clearly delivers. There’s really nothing we can’t do, and in my role I am lucky enough to be able tell people that!
With Christmas and New Year just around the corner what do you have planned for the festive and holiday season?
This Christmas will be a very unusual one as we are camping with one other family, which not the norm at all!
Normally we head to the beach with in-laws or my parents, siblings and cousins all in tow. The family baches are busy fun places and there’s always a lot of talk about the food we will be eating. When you put a chef in the mix (my partner Harry), food, conversation and expectation goes to another level!
Anything exciting planned for 2024?
Not yet. But you never know! At the beginning of this year who would have ever guessed I was going to be on national television!
