John Hawkesby

John Hawkesby has worked in almost every avenue of the media: as a newsreader for state television and  TV3, and as a radio producer, MC, and wine writer. After co-hosting the primetime news after the launch of the second channel, Hawkesby went on to win a keen following during an extended tenure on regional show Top Half. In the 1990s he won three NZ TV Awards for best presenter while co-hosting TV One's early evening news bulletin, once again alongside Judy Bailey. He also successfully hosted iconic games show It's in the Bag.

"Put that kid down" he said, with such authority the whole place went quiet. Johnny Cash, to security guards manhandling prospective interviewer John Hawkesby (quoted from Hawkesby's book Save the Last Dance for Me)