For a quarter of a century, Hamish McKay has been an easily recognised face and voice across our TV screens and on the radio. His trademark loyalty and commitment saw him dedicate his entire media career to one company, these days known as Mediaworks. And they wanted him back for more.
Background
He started out in the early 90’s with the ground-breaking 2XS FM - now More FM - in Palmerston North. Between 2006 and 2016 he was the lead Sports Anchor for TV3 News - now Newshub - as well as 18 years as the networks Rugby Editor. Along the way, he was the lead match commentator on over 150 first class rugby games, including 2 Rugby World Cups, 80 plus test matches and Super Rugby finals. Some might argue though that his greatest claim to fame was in his cameo role as McKay’ver on Bill and Ben’s comedy classic, Pulp Sport.
Current work
Hamish currently combines hosting Magic Talk's flagship agribusiness show, ‘Rural Exchange’ with his role as a property specialist for Ray White Real Estate, based in St Heliers, Auckland. He resides there with his wife Sarah and three teenage children - Poppy, Hugo and Jonty. While he’s happy to call himself an Aucklander, Hamish remains strongly connected to the Manawatu where he was born and raised. He attended Apiti Primary School, Palmerston North Boys High School and Massey University. It’s a connection that gives him a position of strength as he bridges the Urban-Rural divide on his Magic Talk show.
When the time allows, he still enjoys commentating the odd game of rugby. His other passions include supporting his favourite sporting teams the Boston Celtics, West Ham United and the West Tigers. He also knows a thing or two about the pain of endurance sport having twice cycled the Wellington to Auckland retro cycle classic. And let’s not forget his recent cameo at the NZ Shearing championship where he proved he could run a handpiece over a woolly sheep or 2. Hamish is an ambassador for NZ Men’s Health Week and don’t get him started on calling something meat, when it was grown in a laboratory!
Hamish is an in demand MC and speaker with wide experience. His strengths are also in interviewing sporting heroes and hosting chat show type events.
Hamish was very well prepared and enthusiastic about our event. He was well received and created a great rapport with the audience. ... keep reading New Zealand Self Medication Industry
The audience were very responsive to Hamish. He exceeded expectations and I would recommend him to other conference organisers as an MC.
Hamish was a pleasure to work with. We had a quick run through late afternoon going over the bullet points. He read the room perfectly and evening rans smoothly.
