Comeback confirmed for TV show Top Town

Classic Kiwi TV show Top Town - in which teams from New Zealand towns compete against each other in bizarre obstacle courses - is making a comeback after nearly 20 years off air.

TVNZ is bringing back the iconic show in December, and is appealing to New Zealanders to compete for the pride of their community - with or without their stubbie shorts.

Top Town first screened on New Zealand television in 1976 with the final show in 1990.

The colourful series featured regional teams competing on an outdoor obstacle course. 

Friendly, but staunchly competitive events saw participants balancing on planks over pools, running on slippery slides and being bombed with flour while balancing full buckets of water on broomsticks.

The winning team in each series was crowned 'top town'.

Eyeworks New Zealand producer Greg Heathcote said teams from 15 towns are needed for December's competition.

He said spectacular new games are set to excite a new generation of Top Town viewers and participants.

"But in keeping with the tradition of the original show, the competition will be for the pride and mana of the town, the coveted Top Town trophy and the right to be called 'New Zealand's Top Town'.

"Each team will have 12 members, six female and six male.  Cheer squads, supporters and mascots are also welcome," Heathcote said.

The entire competition will be held over eight days in Christchurch in early December.
 
Original host Sir Howard Morrison said Top Town was set in heartland New Zealand, where 'real' New Zealanders lived.

"Flying into Timaru, it was huge. Palmerston North was huge. Whangarei was huge. The teams were well drilled, representing their towns, they came prepared, it brought honour to their coat of arms.

"It was excitement, excitement, excitement."

Reigning Top Town champions Greymouth have already confirmed they will be fielding a team to defend their 1990 victory.

Former Kiwi and Captain of the winning team Tony Coll said Greymouth really got in behind the team. 
 
"I remember coming back on the bus and we stopped at the Cobden bridge. The streets into Greymouth were lined with people like we'd won the Ranfurly Shield or something."
 
Selected teams will need to pay for their own travel to and from the event, but their accommodation and breakfast and lunch each day will be covered. 

Top Town is the second fondly-remembered Kiwi show to make a comeback recently, with a new version of fundraiser Telethon planned by TV3 to screen next year.