Award-winning broadcaster and rural voice, Hamish McKay is a familiar figure in New Zealand households, recognised for his decades-long presence on television and radio.
Rising to prominence in the 1990s with Palmerston North’s pioneering 2XS FM, Hamish went on to become TV3’s lead Sports Anchor and Rugby Editor, covering more than 150 first-class rugby matches, including over 80 All Blacks tests and two Rugby World Cups. His commentary and journalistic talents earned him a reputation for passion and precision, though some still fondly recall his comedic cameo as McKay’ver on Pulp Sport.
After a wave of industry cutbacks that swept away even the most established media names, Hamish pivoted. He found new purpose as the host of the rural radio show Rural Exchange, becoming a trusted voice for New Zealand’s heartland while also working in real estate. But behind the scenes, he was battling a silent transformation—one marked by chronic inflammation, depression, and weight gain that pushed him to the brink. A chance injury and an even more fortuitous meeting with a surgeon became the catalyst for his second act. Shedding 55 kilograms and reclaiming his health, Hamish now shares his raw and often humorous journey of survival and reinvention.
Based in Auckland with his wife Sarah and their three children, Hamish still finds joy in the occasional rugby commentary, enduring cycle races, and even the odd shearing championship appearance. Deeply connected to his Manawatū roots, his story is one of resilience, reinvention, and a second chance at life.
Talking Points
Keynote Synopsis: Hamish McKay’s Second Chance
In this unflinching and deeply personal keynote, Hamish McKay lifts the curtain on the health crisis that almost cost him his life. Known to New Zealanders for his iconic voice and face on TV3 and across the rural airwaves, Hamish’s story of physical and emotional decline is as confronting as it is inspiring.Keynote Synopsis: Hamish McKay’s Second Chance
Over two decades, he quietly spiralled—gaining weight, numbing emotion with food, living in denial, and slowly disconnecting from the life and identity he once owned. At 135kg, chronically inflamed, and medicated into a fog, he was a man on the brink. It took a gym injury and a chance meeting with a surgeon to jolt him awake—and into the operating theatre for life-saving bariatric surgery.
Hamish shares his brutal truth: the humiliation, the denial, the failed attempts at turning it around, and the soul-searching that followed. He speaks candidly about the psychological reckoning post-surgery, the medical near-misses, and the impact on his closest relationships. With humour, heart, and a rawness that doesn’t flinch, Hamish explores what it means to truly come back from the edge—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally too.
Expect to be challenged. Expect to laugh. Expect to squirm. This is not a sugar-coated tale of weight loss—it’s a wake-up call, especially for men who don’t talk, don’t listen, and don’t act. Hamish tells it all, unapologetically, for the sake of those who might still think they’re fine… until they’re not.
The audience were very responsive to Hamish. He exceeded expectations and I would recommend him to other conference organisers as an MC. ... keep reading New Zealand Self Medication Industry
Hamish is a professional and understands this event well. We were happy to have him back again this year.
Hamish was very well prepared and enthusiastic about our event. He was well received and created a great rapport with the audience.
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.
