They spelt the words ‘concierge', ‘kitsch', ‘furlough' and ‘juggernaut' in the pressure-cooker of peak-time national television.

And all because it sits snugly with Tauranga's Wright Family Foundation vision of enabling kids to achieve full potential through education.

The TV show is ‘Spellbound' which charts the journey of 36 Year 9 -10 finalists in the New Zealand Spelling Bee.

The contestants would ask the trademark questions. 'May I have the definition please?” and 'Can you please use the word in a sentence?” Then almost robotically they would deliver back the spelt word.

‘Spellbound' is a three-part thriller but not as we know it. It's kids in the hot seat spelling difficult words – and its gripping television.

'I was on the edge of my seat,” says Chloe Wright of the first episode of ‘Spellbound'. 'It's fantastic to be part of producing a television show which the whole family can enjoy and participate in together. Sport in New Zealand is getting a new face.”

But making television isn't cheap and Chloe's Wright Family Foundation charitable trust put up funding to produce the TV show. The foundation is the NZ Spelling Bee's sole sponsor, and Chloe – who is the foundation's CEO – donated the additional funding so the event could be televised and brought into the nation's homes.

'Through screening ‘Spellbound' more children will be encouraged to reach for the stars,” says Chloe. 'We couldn't let this opportunity pass by, and are delighted to have been able to make it happen.”

Chloe says The New Zealand Spelling Bee is a fantastic event, which resonates with the foundation's vision. 'We want to create articulate readers and writers, who may go onto higher education with confidence.” And, she says, the spelling bee is a perfect fit with that goal.

Nationwide regional heats saw 1000 kids compete, with the field whittled down to the country's top 36 spellers.

The Wright Family Foundation was established in April 2014 as part of Chloe and husband Wayne's vision to make a positive difference in New Zealand society.

The foundation aims to improve the wellbeing of all New Zealanders, by unleashing potential through education. It supports projects and organisations focused on educational development– just like the spelling bee.

The second instalment of ‘Spellbound' is on TVNZ 1 at 7.30pm this Sunday, October 16.