John Hawkesby

Who is John Hawkesby?

John Langley Hawkesby, MNZM is a former news presenter for ONE News and 3 News in New Zealand.

Hawkesby attended Auckland Grammar School in 1964. His started his broadcasting career in 1972 when he researched and presented Radio New Zealand's "Reflecting On" programme. This programme achieved six Mobil Radio Awards for "Excellence in Broadcasting". In 1986 Hawkesby moved to Radio Hauraki and read the breakfast news. In 1977 he joined TV2 as newsreader and in 1981 presented the top rating Top Half regional news programme for TVNZ. Hawkesby went on to host the popular It's in the Bag programme with co-host Hilary Timmins. In 1992 Hawkesby moved to TV3 as newsreader and in 1995 and 1996 was voted "TV Guide's People's Choice "Best Presenter", and "Best Newsreader". On Monday February 16, 1998 Hawkesby left TV3 after the introduction of a co-anchor. He was due to start presenting alongside Carol Hirschfeld, but pulled out at the last moment. John Campbell filled his place at the last minute.

For 3 weeks in January–February 1999, in a controversial move, Hawkesby became a weekday newsreader for ONE News, replacing Richard Long.