'Traitors NZ' returns with new host and cast of Kiwis ready to sleuth & deceive

The secret’s officially out, 'The Traitors NZ' is coming back for a third season, and it's here sooner than you’d think.

This year looks a little different to the last, with Kiwi actor, writer and director Madeleine Sami stepping into Paul Henry's shoes, taking on the huge job of hosting.

Joining her is a fresh bunch of everyday Kiwis, all keen on playing the ultimate game of deception.

In case you have no idea how messy the game of paranoia, betrayal and backstabbing gets, the Faithfuls work together to try and banish the Traitors from the game.

It involves HUGE twists and turns, including overnight "murders" as players solve clues, piece together evidence, and try to catch the Traitors before it's too late - all for a hefty prize pot.

Basically, it’s a big game of trust. And if we’ve learned anything from previous seasons… you can’t trust anyone!

The new season heads back to Castle Claremont in South Canterbury, where 21 Kiwis will play to win - and it already looks like a season of shocking betrayals and drama.

Before each of their roles are decided, let's get to know them, shall we?

Meet the 'The Traitors NZ' Season 3 cast:

Michael | 44 | Bakery manager

Michael manages an Auckland-based bakery, but also comes with an extensive HR background both locally and abroad. He gives classic Kiwi bloke who loves his wife, craft beer, golf and indoor cricket - but something tells me he’s going to prove himself as a strong player in the game.

Jill | 50 | Receptionist and proud mum of two

Jill describes herself as the master of niceness and leans into the “dumb and innocent” archetype well. I think we all know how she’s entering the castle…

Ryan | 24 | Studio audio engineer

With a Bachelor of Musical Arts and a background in composition and music production, I reckon Ryan has a good ear and that might come in handy for overhearing Traitors plotting in secret.

Aaron | 42 | Operations Director at DOC

Aaron is also an accomplished international Ironman triathlete and a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to sport, so it’s safe to say he’ll be a frontrunner if any physical challenges pop up!

Rachael | 55 | Author of four novels for adults and children

Rachael is an award-winning reviewer who took home 'Best Reviewer' at the 2023 Media Awards - something tells me Rachael might be good with words!

Kate | 20 | Multi-disciplinary creative

As an actress, model, writer and artist, and a graduate of The Actors Program 2024, Kate might be able to swindle the group in her favour. Will she go in as herself or take on a character for the plot?

Aroha | 32 | HR consultant and wedding celebrant

Aroha prides herself on being quick-witted, quietly competitive, and confident in her ability to read people - will she be able to read the Traitors like a book? That is, if she isn’t chosen to wear the green hood herself…

Chloe | 31 | Business owner and solo mum

Chloe left her media career to build an e-commerce business for mums, inspired by her young son. Will she fly under the radar? Sometimes they make the perfect Traitors.

Elliott | 33 | Financial analyst and stand-up comedian

Raw Comedy Quest finalist and creator of musical mystery show 'SKWERT: The Reunion', Elliott is sure to bring laughs to the castle - will it help him earn trust as the goof ball of the group?!

Hannah | 31 | Writer, witch and revolutionary feminist

Hannah lives in a house bus on her partner’s whenua, “unschools” her three sons, and questions everything… Will she give the Traitors a good grilling at the round table?!

Debbie | 64 | Senior lecturer

Dr Debbie has over 20 years’ experience in tertiary education, most recently leading Te Rito Maioha’s Master of Education programme - she’s got the brains to play a good game on either side of the Traitors’ turret.

Jannaia | 27 | Personal trainer and elite powerlifter

Jannaia became a national champion at 19, setting multiple national and world records. But will she do the heavy lifting when it comes to finding the Traitors?

Samantha | 30 | Primary school teacher

Samantha creates viral classroom content and is known for her candid, thoughtful approach to teaching - will she use those skills in the game?

Dave | 48 | Former broadcaster and sports commentator

A reality TV superfan who believes his previous experience gives him an edge - or will it be seen as a threat to the rest of the group? I'm interested to see how Dave plays this game!

Bradley | 27 | Former primary school teacher turned youth pastor

Once a “naughty kid,” Bradley found direction through faith. His game will be an interesting watch - will he play as a Faithful, or will we see that “naughty” side secretly return as a Traitor?

Maruia | 43 | Secondary school teacher turned filmmaker and television director

Mother, grandmother and proud Tokoroa local, Maruia will bring her classic Kiwi self to the game.

Maria | 36 | Teacher and performer

Maria's a theatre kid at heart who loves improv, comedy and anything but boredom. She'll be able to think on the fly, which is important once accusations start flinging across the round table.

James | 49 | Professional subtitler specialising in broadcast closed captions

Former game designer focused on strategic tabletop wargaming - let’s hope he’s ready for the battle of banishments.

Keanu | 29 | DJ and professional dancer

Keanu has performed at some of the world’s biggest music festivals, including Coachella and Glastonbury. As a former Royal Family Dance Crew member and 2015 World Hip-Hop silver medallist, he’s going to want to pull his best moves out for this game!

Violette | 22 | Yale alumna and high-performance athlete

Violette has represented NZ in water polo and athletics and earned Yale’s 'Outstanding Newcomer' at their Track and Field Banquet for the 2022 season. Whether a Traitor or Faithful, she’ll be one to watch, and someone the group will want on their side for challenges.

Harrison | 36 | Traitors superfan

Harrison is described as adaptable, strategic, and confident in reading people. As a superfan, he should be able to pick up on some of the best tactics used in previous seasons.

New host Madeleine Sami is excited to join the show and see how these Kiwis take on the challenge.

“I’ve watched many of the international and local seasons of The Traitors NZ and find myself hooked every single time,” she says.

“I love that it’s a game of strategy and deception. People go in wanting to win and then betray each other in pursuit of that win. It starts as a fun game, and once everyone gets emotionally invested, that’s when things really escalate.”

We can’t wait to see who this year’s Traitors will be when the show hits our screens every Sunday and Monday from May 31.