The Bachelor NZ: Bachelorettes offer words of advice to new intake

24-year-old Matilda Rice, contestant on the Bachelor NZ. Photo / TV3

The new intake of female contestants for season two of The Bachelor NZ will be offered counselling and support when the series starts next week.

MediaWorks has confirmed the 23 bachelorettes vying for the final rose will have access to professional help and a hotline to their families.

"There is a good support structure in place for all those in The Bachelor which extends from the production team right through to psych support if required," a TV3 spokeswoman told the Herald on Sunday. "Also, if they want to chat to family at any point they absolutely have access to a phone via production."

In New Zealand, contestants undergo a session with a clinical psychologist as part of a screening process to determine their suitability for the show.

This year's Kiwi bachelor is understood to be Christchurch-born, Auckland-based actor and philanthropist Jordan Mauger, 32.

The only bachelorette to be named so far is wild-card contestant, Nelson-born Anna Marshall.

A number of the first-season women were quick to pass on advice to the newcomers.

Runner-up Dani Robinson was heartbroken when she lost the heart of Art Green to Matilda Rice.

"When I went into the show I didn't prepare for an exit because as soon as I saw Art I thought I would win," she said. "The girls should just enjoy the experience and look forward to making some great new friends.

"They only have a one-in-23 chance of getting a man but can get 22 good mates along the way."

Southland schoolteacher Alysha Brown came third and has no regrets.

"I would advise this year's girls to just be themselves and remember they are also representing their friends and family, so be careful how they conduct themselves" she said.

"It would also be wise for them to be careful with their alcohol intake when they are on a date."

However Chrystal Chenery disagrees: "My advice for the girls would be wine; it's impossible to watch yourself back sober."

Rosie Kininmonth was the first to leave last year's show. She shocked the clean-cut bachelor by refusing a rose from him in the debut episode, telling him he wasn't exciting enough.

"The new girls should remember your boots were made for walking," she said. "If he doesn't tickle your fancy, do start walking."

Rice's relationship with Green has gone from strength to strength since she won the first series.

She says the contestants will fare best if they focus on what they are there for.

"They are in the show to hopefully find someone to spend the rest of their life with," she said. "They should try not to think they are in a competition with 22 other girls because that makes it so much harder.

"They will also get ripped to shreds by some members of the public on social media but should try not to read the negative comments and will have to develop a very thick skin."