Courtenay Louise, Karen O’Leary, Perlina Lau, Shimpal Lelisi and Te Kohe Tuhaka were today announced as the next group of celebrity castaways trading the comforts of home for the scarcities of camp life on TVNZ 2’s upcoming Celebrity Treasure Island.  

It’s game on for Courtenay Louise! A talented actress, Courtenay is best known for playing Monique Strutter on Shortland Street, while also appearing in My Life Is Murder (2019) and Superwog (2017). Fierce, competitive and “a big personality”, Courtenay is happy for her fellow campmates to underestimate her if it means coming out on top for her charity, Voices of Hope. 

Karen O’Leary is an early childhood educator, comedian, and actor – most well-known for her role as Officer O’Leary in TVNZ 2’s cult-hit, Wellington Paranormal. Karen’s quick-wit and addictive sense of humour have seen her score legions of fans across Aotearoa, but she’s taking Celebrity Treasure Island seriously for Mary Potter Hospice.  

Perlina Lau is an accomplished actress who began her screen career with web series Flat3. In 2021, Perlina starred in TVNZ’s Creamerie, which won rave reviews, as well as a New Zealand Television Award for Best Drama Series and was later picked up by HULU. With a close friendship and working relationship with former Celebrity Treasure Island contestant JJ Fong, Perlina may have the inside scoop on how best to play this game for Duffy Books in Homes. 

An actor, director, writer and presenter, Shimpal Lelisi is one of the original members of The Naked Samoans comedy group and has starred in many popular TV and movie hits. Rolling with the old adage, ‘go big or go home’ as part of his strategy, Shimpal reckons he’s got a good chance of going all the way for his charity, Women’s Refuge.  

Te Kohe Tuhaka has had an illustrious stage and screen career as both producer and actor. Growing up learning to forage for food while out in the great outdoors, Te Kohe will be at home at camp with his fellow castaways and may have just found his upper hand for Water Safety New Zealand.  

Courtenay, Karen, Perlina, Shimpal and Te Kohe join Alex King, Guy Montgomery, Mike King, Ron Cribb, Siobhan Marshall and Dame Susan Devoy, who were all announced on Monday.  

Celebrity Treasure Island is coming soon to TVNZ 2 and TVNZ+.