Grand way to show off NZ

Host Chris Moller on-site filming for one of the houses from Grand Designs NZ.

Grand Designs NZ will return next month for a second series.

The popular TV3 home show will again be hosted by Chris Moller.

It will be previewed with a specially-made promotional video during tonight's live auction finale of The Block NZ.

The NZ version of Grand Designs has proved a ratings hit both at home and overseas.

It has been picked up in Norway, Sweden, Finland, Poland, Australia and the United Kingdom.

"Grand Designs NZ has been a real success with Kiwi audiences and it's fantastic it is doing so well around the world," said Sue Woodfield, MediaWork's head of commissioning and external production.

The programme has been airing in Britain since 1999, with 150 episodes being broadcast since then.

UK host Kevin McCloud is bemused by New Zealanders' enthusiasm for Grand Designs and for producing a homegrown version.

"I struggle to understand why it is so popular, because it's a series made in Britain about Britain."