Mount Maunganui woman Olivia Rogers is a second contestant from the Bay of Plenty to compete in The Apprentice Aotearoa, which premieres on Monday evening on TVNZ 1.

In the business-themed reality series, 14 contestants battle to win a $50,000 investment in their business and ongoing mentorship with Pero, a self-made millionaire and real estate mogul.

The 31-year-old grew up in the Mount and is now based in Auckland where she is general manager of travel business TourismHQ. She hopes that in the show she can inspire young viewers.

'Hopefully I inspire some young people that anything is possible. I'm a girl who dropped out of school at 16 in Tauranga. I have travelled amazing places with my career, achieved great things and have had a hell of a great time doing it. If I can do it, honestly anyone can.”

Olivia attended school at both Otumoetai College and Mount Maunganui College.

She worked at the Tauranga Club and as events manager at Baycourt, with a stay in Melbourne in between.

She met the owner of TourismHQ through mutual friends.

'I basically hounded him until he created a role for me in the business. It was the best thing I have ever done and my achievements with TourismHQ remind me daily how capable I am of taking anything on. Rich, the owner has been an incredible mentor and I owe so much of my growth to him.”

She often visits her family in the BOP.

'My whole family is there, mum, step dad, brother, step brother, nieces, nephews, the lot. Absolute crazy bunch but they make my times there more memorable! Our friends also have a holiday home there,so it is the best place to come and get the family fix and some chill time.”

Although 'a city girl at heart” who loves Auckland, she misses the relaxed vibe of the Mount.

'Best beach in New Zealand! So I always get some sand between the toes. We are so lucky it is only a short drive away and we do go down a lot so I get my fix! I miss how chill it is and how lovely the people are, I also miss being close to my family. I don't think I could ever transition back there full time as my life is in Auckland now, but as long as Mum is in Tauranga it will always be a second home.”

Reflecting back on the show she says she would have done some things differently.

'I don't think I was authentically myself on the show and I think that will shine through. My game plan was to kill them with kindness but that somewhat didn't go to plan.”

She admits she has a 'short fuse” but has learned to manage it over the years.

'I don't appreciate people not pulling their weight and that is usually where it comes into play.”

On the upside she says she is extremely driven and sees opportunity everywhere.

'I also try and bring humour to situations. I get that from my Mum.”

Olivia is not only looking forward to the show hitting our screens, but is also planning her wedding.

'I am happily engaged to an incredible guy called Nick, we are getting married on February 18, 2022, which is super exciting!”