Bob McNeil

Wellington-born Journalist Bob McNeill began his career at the Taranaki Daily News. After seven years as a primary school teacher he returned to journalism in 1970 with Radio Waikato. McNeill joined TV3 when the channel began in 1989, and went on to spend two decades with the network. His role as a television journalist took him around the world, reporting on major events including the Boxing Day tsunami, Sri Lanka's civil war, and the Rwandan genocide. Known for his warmth and versatility as a reporter, McNeil retired in 2010 before publishing his autobiography News Travels in 2014. He passed away on December 29, 2024. He was 82.

People could relate to this small-town boy from Taranaki who fought for the underdog and had a glint in his eye. He was genuine, he loved people, and he loved hearing their stories. His warmth was evident on the telly . . . He had the ability to celebrate the absurd and yet bring empathy and decency to those he interviewed. Journalist Sacha McNeil on the legacy of her father, The NZ Herald, 31 December 2024