About the show

The most skilled fathers in the land are nominated by their children to compete for the Great Golden Hammer trophy and the title of “DIY Dad of the Year”. After searching the country from Kaitaia to Invercargill the eight top dads compete in a series of building and makeover challenges to see if they really are the best DIY Dad in the land.  

In Round 1 the eight dads are given a pile of materials and must design and build anything they like for their kids – perhaps a treehouse, a go-kart, or a merry-go-round – using everything in the pile. Celebrity builder John “Cocksy” Cocks then marks their structures out of 20, with scores for innovation, good design, and excellent finishing. The four highest scoring dads move on to the next round.  

In Round 2 the four remaining dads have just 24 hours and a $1,500 budget to make over a room in their house. This time the whole family is allowed to pitch in and help – and they’re judged on teamwork as well as the practicality, design, and finish of the room. The two highest-scoring dads move on to the final.  

In the final round the two remaining dads face off in a mammoth series of challenges – from designing and building an outdoor barbecue and seating area, to a beat-the-clock obstacle course of painting, blocklaying and other DIY skills. The winning dad is presented with the Great Golden Hammer, the title of DIY Dad of the Year … and a fabulous array of prizes.