Holland, Barry

Barry Holland began his broadcasting career as a technician but moved into radio announcing during a two-year stay in Australia. When he returned to New Zealand in the late 60s he did a brief stint with private radio and then joined the NZBC. For 10 years he was behind the microphone on 1ZB's afternoon show, occasionally filling in on the Breakfast show.

In the early 70s he hosted the Scoreboard programme, 1ZB's Saturday sports session and soon after also took on local news and weather reading for Auckland television. In 1975 South Pacific Television asked him to front Sportsworld, which he did until February 1980 year when the networks were established.

Having worked with Ernie Leonard in front of the cameras Holland was more than happy to work with Leonard as producer for On the Mat.

"People either love or hate professional wrestling," he says. "They love the gladiatorial aspect. Sports purists may baulk at some of what they see on On the Mat but it is a professional sport; it leans more to entertainment than pure sport' And what of the wrestlers? "I'm surprised at what great people they are. I have never felt in any danger and though there are complaints from time to time that it's a bit rough it's nothing to what's shown on television overseas. Of all the wrestlers Ox Baker had real character; he had charisma in the ring. But Steve Rickard would have to stand out for sheer professionalism."

In later years he hosted the Countrywide Athletics coverage.