NZ On Air 30th Birthday - Outrageous Fortune

Politician Paula Bennett proudly proclaims her West Auckland roots in this video celebrating NZ On Air's 30th birthday. Bennett talks about how hit show Outrageous Fortune was important in helping Kiwis reclaim pride in being a bogan — and a Westie. She also praises the show's strong yet vulnerable matriarch Cheryl West. Robyn Malcolm, who played Cheryl, remembers early days in the role, before Outrageous Fortune became "the show where New Zealanders fell in love with themselves". Outside of Shortland Street, it became part of the country's longest-running drama franchise.

The bogan just oozed out of them in every kind of scene.

– National Party Deputy Leader Paula Bennett on the characters in Outrageous Fortune

Key Cast & Crew

Robyn Malcolm

As: Cheryl West

Zara Potts

Director, Interviewer

Kathryn Quirk

Producer

Stephanie Hopkins

Producer

Antony Starr

As: Van & Jethro West

Frank Whitten

As: Ted West