Fiery ginger steps up to woo the first 'Bachelor NZ'

Lisa O'Loughlin won a popular vote in a radio competition to become the wildcard entrant on the show.

A redhead who has never been in a relationship is the first contestant unveiled for the The Bachelor NZ.

Auckland career woman Lisa O'Loughlin won a popular vote in a radio competition to become the wildcard entrant on the reality television show that seeks to find a love match for a single man.

The internationally syndicated show, being produced in New Zealand for the first time, features single women vying for his affection in a series of dates. Contestants are eliminated each week in often-dramatic rose ceremonies.

O'Loughlin, a 29-year-old clinical research associate, is the first contestant to be revealed.

Holding a rose of acceptance, she disclosed on the show's website that she had previously been wounded in love but hoped the show would help her find a soulmate.

The self-described "fiery ginger" said her biggest regret in life was not being open to relationships and putting up a barrier.

"Self-preservation has probably been a big reason why I'm still single and I have always put others first," she wrote.

"It's definitely time for me to come first. Potentially missing out on love until now ... hopefully!"

But she warned she was looking for an equal.

"I need a guy who's not intimidated by my strong personality and who challenges me and will call me out when I put up my wall."

The would-be suitor also needed to share her passion for sport.

It is expected up to 25 bachelorettes will try to find love on The Bachelor NZ.

Bosses have remained tight-lipped on the identity of the homegrown male star of the show. Producers began drawing up a hit-list of hunks in November.

Included are understood to be Auckland DJs Karn Hall and Jarrod Phillips, social media expert Tom Bates and Rhythm and Vines director Hamish Pinkham.

Show publicist Megan Stuart said filming would start later this month.