John Hawkesby

John Hawkesby is a former news presenter for ONE News and 3 News.

His started his broadcasting career in 1972 when he researched and presented Radio New Zealand's "Reflecting On" programme. This programme achieved six Mobil Radio Awards for "Excellence in Broadcasting". In 1986 Hawkesby moved to Radio Hauraki and read the breakfast news. In 1977 he joined TV2 as newsreader and in 1981 presented the top rating "Top Half" regional news programme for TVNZ. Hawkesby went on to host the popular "It's in the Bag" program with co-host Hilary Timmins. In 1992 Hawkesby moved to TV3 as newsreader and in 1995 and 1996 was voted "TV Guide's People's Choice "Best Presenter", and "Best Newsreader". On Monday February 16, 1998 Hawkesby left TV3 after the introduction of a co-anchor. He was due to start presenting alongside Carol Hirschfeld, but pulled out at the last moment. John Campbell filled his place at the last minute.

For 3 weeks in January-February 1999, in a controversial move, Hawkesby became a weekday newsreader for ONE News, replacing Richard Long (who moved to presenting weekend bulletins alongside Liz Gunn). TVNZ's reason for this change was to try and capture some of the chemistry that Bailey and Hawkesby had during their days presenting "Top Half". The change was short-lived, Long returned to the weekday bulletins, presenting alongside Bailey and Hawkesby received a $5.2m payout. [http://www.stuff.co.nz/sundaystartimes/4049727a6005.html] In 2005 the highest paid New Zealand newsreaders received $800,000pa. [ [http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10362094 TVNZ salary saga ripped me apart, says Bailey - 01 Jan 2006 - NZ Herald: New Zealand National news ] ]

John is the father of former TVNZ broadcaster Kate Hawkesby.

In August 1997, Hawkesby published "Save The Last Dance For Me".

References