Hawkesby, John

Former news presenter for ONE News and THREE News.

Auckland-born Mr Hawkesby came to television in 1975 after spending four years as a freelance radio writer and presenter. He spent two years as a continuity announcer for South Pacific Television and then fronted Bits and Pieces. Next came the News at Six which he presented with Tom Bradley, then he worked on TOP HALF from early 1980 

He was involved not only in newsreading and interviews but also in studio demonstrations and research work. There are more components than in a straight news programme, he says, and consequently more tension. Also, the fact that the News comes from Auckland and we go out live means that there's no time for rehearsal.