New Zealand's Next Top Model returns tonight

'New Zealand's Next Top Model' judges Colin Mathura-Jefree, Sara Tetro and Chris Sisarich. Photo / Supplied

New Zealand's Next Top Model returns to television screens tonight at 7.30pm on TV3, and the show's loyal fans will be wondering what the judges are looking for in the show's third season.

The first episode sees 33 girls drawn from a nationwide model search to the Bay of Islands, where they will be whittled down to just 13 finalists.

Top Model judge and owner of 62 Models and Talent, Sara Tetro, said that she went into this year's search with a "very open mind".

Ms Tetro said there are always prerequisites they look for, but she emphasises that "beauty takes its shape in many different ways".

"Fashion changes in models as it does in clothing."

Although Ms Tetro was tight-lipped on what surprises this season would bring, she confirmed that the competition this year is "very tight".

"We don't have a winner yet, the game is still on."

Ms Tetro said the most interesting part of the show for her is watching the girls develop.

"Some girls develop under pressure and some girls don't.

"[Some] girls just pull out better shots time after time after time. And some girls implode."

Ms Tetro did have some advice for this season's Top Models hopefuls: be yourself.

"There is no point in creating a character that you are not, because it becomes extremely apparent very quickly.

"You've always got to remember you're on television. It's like Facebook, you put it out there, it's out there for good."

Ms Tetro suggests that future Top Models should conduct themselves in a manner that they would be proud of.

Ms Tetro is joined by returning Top Model judges, photographer Chris Sisarich and fashion personality Colin Mathura-Jeffree.

She describes the two as very different characters.

"The biggest difference is that Colin's extremely high energy and Chris is very calming."

Ms Tetro said this season's show would be "an extraordinary ride" for contestants.

"They're away from their families, they're away from their friends, their school, they are ensconced in the Top Model bubble.

"It's stressful, but they learn an enormous amount," said Ms Tetro.

"It's a lot of fun."

* Look for Herald writer Jacqueline Smith's blog on Top Model tonight on nzherald.co.nz.