Like its American counterpart, NZNTM features a photographer and international model on its judging panel, Chris Sisarich and Colin Mathura-Jeffree, respectively.

The show started in America in 2003, to early commercial success and was first viewed on New Zealand television screens in late 2004.

In the third episode of series two, the show faced controversy when 16-year-old Michaela Steenkamp modeled topless at a tribal swamp photo shoot.

Steenkamp, a devout Christian, said in testimonials aired alongside shots of her half naked in the mud that she was deeply uncomfortable with the shoot.

In a statement to 3 News, Wypych states "I understand that what I have done has jeopardised my place in the competition and I am worried now that any day now the judges can decide to kick me out if they wanted to.