Excerpts from her official TVNZ SurvivorNZ: Thailand bio (4/10/18):
"Originally from The Netherlands, Josefien moved over to New Zealand with her family when she was young. Growing up on a rural farm in Marlborough, Josefien isn’t afraid of the outdoors or getting dirty when it comes to the challenges. With a law degree, Josefien is hoping to be able to use this to ‘read’ people when making alliances. Going in playing the game with the same passion, resilience, integrity and grits she tackles all other challenges in my life with, Josefien is hoping to walk away with the title of Sole Survivor.
Why did you apply for Survivor? I always used to watch the Survivor challenges on previous seasons and think, man, I could do that! Then the season two applications opened at the exact same time I was told my internship contract at work wasn’t being turned in to a full-time job, and I saw it as the stars aligning! I was being provided with the perfect opportunity to be a real Survivor, wear the buff and test myself! PLUS… $250,000!!
What makes you the ideal teammate? I care about people – even when there’s $250,000 at stake. I’m also fit, fun and a complete open book. My teammates will see me proving value in challenges and know that they can work with me to keep the team strong because I’m not a schemer - I say what I mean and mean what I say!
What did you do to prepare for Survivor?
I had major surgery three months before we were going to start filming, so I was focused on trying to get as fit as I could after recovery and quickly! Physically, I’ve always thrived in competitive environments, so wanted to make sure that neither my surgery, nor being a girl competing against men, would deduct from my ability to be a fierce opponent in challenges.
I also practised fasting a few times but always got too cranky so could never last more than a few hours!
Thoughts on Alliance or Immunity Idol? I definitely want to try to avoid splintering the tribe too soon, so I will take my time with picking alliances because I don’t want to put a target on my back! My big strategy is to help my tribe by being strong in challenges and bring home Immunity Idols that keep us all safe. It’s the easiest way to prove your worth, and then stay in the game once you hit the merge!"
Pre-game interview by ZM: