Operation Hero Series 2

About

Operation Hero is on Facebook www.facebook.com/operationheroTV. 

Operation Hero returns in its second season with more action and adventure as six new Kiwi kids tackle challenges inspired by the amazing achievements of real-life Kiwi heroes.

The 10-part competition series, hosted by Dayna Vawdrey, features six 12 and 13-year-olds on the adventure of a lifetime. Each week players are told of the deeds of a real-life hero and then must compete in two huge challenges inspired by the hero’s actions and courage.

“With each episode combining an inspiring hero story and two epic challenges, our new group of young players needed to have their wits about them to meet the huge demands of the competition,” says producer Bevin Linkhorn. “We made sure there were lots of surprises in the challenges this year and all the players were amped for the action!”

Series host Dayna Vawdrey leads the players through the series, briefing them on the hero stories and she gives support and encouragement during the challenges. “Every day there was a new adventure for the players and they quickly got to work out each other’s strengths. There were lots of laughs during the competition – and even a few tears - and it was great to see that they always had a huge respect for the hero stories that inspired their challenges.”

Regan, 13, a player from Darfield in Canterbury said: “It was really fun, much better than school.” To tackle the competition he said they had to: “Work hard, be prepared for tough challenges and work together as a team.”

Matilda, 13, from Taupo found inspiration in the hero stories that they were emulating: “All of the stories were amazing in their own right and the people involved were true heroes. I feel very lucky to have been able to experience a small part of what they went through and really enjoyed understanding from their point of view how it felt for them.”  But she did struggle during the disgusting food challenge in episode 1: “It was really difficult to stop thinking about what you were eating and to concentrate eating it quickly and keeping it down!”

Lively, 12, from Otara, was proud of his achievements in the water, especially because he knew he wasn’t a strong swimmer: “I found jumping off the Navy ship in the middle of the ocean difficult, especially with all that sea water in my mouth. But I was really proud that I was able to swim through the sea and make it.” Lively has advice for future players who want to be on the show: “Work hard, don’t doubt yourself, never give up and have no regrets.” Good advice for living a full life!

Made with the co-operation of the NZ Defence Force, the series accesses unique challenge locations like the Navy’s mud run, Inshore Patrol Vessels and flood tank simulator; the Air Force’s Iroquois fleet and fire fighting training bases; and the Army’s training and expertise at Waiouru and Linton camps. In season 2 players also had to cope with the minus six degree temperatures at Snow Planet’s indoor ski field.

Featuring real Kiwi kids in out-of-the-ordinary challenge arenas, Operation Hero is an action packed children’s series - inspired by heroic New Zealanders.

Produced for TVNZ by Wellington-based production company The Gibson Group with funding from NZ On Air. Hosted by Dayna Vawdrey, produced by Bevin Linkhorn, directed by Dan Henry and Michael Huddleston, production manager Inga Boyd.

Technical Specifications

TV Production

10 x 30 minute children's factual entertainment series for TV2.

Aired from 26 August 2012 at 4pm.

Cast And Crew