'You will be required to pose for selfies'

Paul Henry now owns a spread in rural Paparoa. Photo / Supplied

Controversial broadcaster Paul Henry has a new pad in the country.

The outspoken host of his namesake breakfast TV and radio show confirmed this week he has bought a property near Paparoa in Northland.

"It's just a private purchase. It's a bit of land and there's a house. It's just one of the many bits and bobs I have."

The 55-year-old, who lives in a large bush-surrounded home near Albany, said the retreat would not spell the end of his ownership of his beloved launch.

"God, no. That's vital. That's the escape plan, the boat."

Paparoa is small community 50km north of Wellsford and runs down towards the headwaters of Kaipara Harbour.

Neighbours told the Herald on Sunday they had heard the broadcaster had bought in the area.

Weekend Herald columnist Wendyl Nissen, who recently escaped the Auckland rat race to spend more time at her Hokianga holiday home, had some words of advice for Henry.

"In the unlikely event you're invited to a barbeque the preferred offering is the traditional sizzler. Save the sumac lamb and sauvignon blanc-infused sausages for your rare visits to town."

She also had tips for his fashion, personal grooming and shopping habits.

Haircuts more frequent than once a year were considered "a bit nancy" and dressing down did not mean choosing a cashmere windbreaker over the vicuna sportcoat, Nissen said.

Investing in the community would require a little more commitment than visiting the farmers' market once a month and "you will be required to pose for selfies - get over it", she said.

"You may think that you've arrived quietly in the dead of night and not a single soul knows you are there. In reality the bush telegraph went off the moment you left Auckland."