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Paul Holmes
Paul Holmes is arguably New Zealand’s leading broadcaster.
He began his career in the early 70's with the NZBC in Christchurch. Over the next 10 or so years, Holmes worked on radio in Australia, the United Kingdom, Holland (where he produced Current Affairs for the Dutch World Service), and in Vienna as the Breakfast Personality on an English language station servicing diplomatic community in that United Nations city.
After a two-year stint as talkback host at Radio New Zealand station 2ZB in Wellington, Holmes accepted the challenge of his life. In March 1987 he replaced the legendary Merv Smith as breakfast host of 1ZB in Auckland with a brand new format of Newstalk and instructions to make it number one in an increasingly competitive environment. So began the ratings battle.
For the first time in its nearly 50 years of operation, 1ZB sank from one to number seven in the station ratings in a 10-station market. Holmes clawed his way back. He achieved the number one position on Breakfast in early 1989 and has remained there ever since – by a wide margin.
In 1989, Holmes began a parallel television career with the current affairs show Holmes, which was controversial and unpredictable right from the start. Holmes held a key, strategic ratings high ground and became a New Zealand institution. Fifteen years later he left TVNZ and joined Prime Television to host a weekly talk show.
In 1999 Holmes released his autobiography, the story of an outstanding broadcaster.
Holmes took to the dance floor with dance partner Rebecca Nicholson, for a series of the top rating show, ‘Dancing with the Stars’.
A while back Paul bought property in the Hawkes Bay and started growing his own olives. He now produces and sells his very own brand of Olive oil aptly named Paul Holmes Olive Oil. His experience in this now allows him to address business issues in his talks.
Paul is a highly experienced and knowledgeable interviewer, MC and an entertaining speaker.
Testimonials
We very much appreciated having your talents as a moderator. Without exception, all delegates present commented on the manner in which the session was conducted, and this in no small way was a reflection of your ability to marry up the keynote speakers and keep things flowing.—Simpson Grierson
Favourite quotes
I don't lay down any rules. In any case, I have never been a textbook broadcaster. I observe rules only to break them when I can.
The show must always go on.