Throng

7:00pm Sunday, October 11 on TV One

Local series Mucking In returns with a new season to TV ONE tonight at 7pm. The 2009 series sees 11 outstanding Kiwis, who go well above-and-beyond the norm in their community endeavours. These people are inspiring in the way they support, guide and drive others to achieve in their every day lives; and so the Mucking In team reward them with an amazing garden makeover and vacation weekend.

Now in its tenth series, Mucking In has undergone its own makeover with new graphics; handy DIY tips; garden themes; and new theme music from New Zealand musician Donald Reid. However, viewers can guarantee that one thing remains the same, Mucking In continues to celebrate and recognise those people who go quietly and tirelessly about their work, not looking for praise, but doing it because their heart is in it, 100 per cent.

Each episode, presenters Jim Mora and Tony Murrell take viewers on a journey to a different city or town in New Zealand to surprise a new recipient. Mora and Murrell walk and talk with the recipients about their garden dreams - and often their existing garden nightmares. Then it's all hands on deck - the garden plans are drawn up; the suppliers are called; the volunteers are assembled; the recipients are sent on vacation; and it's time to 'muck in'.

Mora says he's still amazed by the number of generous and deserving people they meet on Mucking In: "Once again, we discovered so many New Zealanders who were just as outstanding as in the past, which is saying something."

He says it's the people that make the show, and make the Mucking In team proud of it.

The new season starts with Mora and Murrell taking a trip to the South Island to surprise Trish Pain, a hard-working woman who helps break down the barriers towards people with mental health issues. Murrell and the throng of tireless Kaitangata locals are put through their paces as they create the ultimate garden for this big-hearted woman.

A long time advocate of helping people with mental illness or intellectual disabilities, Trish Pain is a popular lady known widely for her compassion and ability to genuinely empathise and advocate for minority groups. Awarded the Clutha Royal Women of the Year in 2008, she is involved in the local country music scene, coaches guitar and singing, and can also be found coaching netball, giving haircuts, and lending her time to helping raise money for the local rescue helicopter.