JohnCampbell
- Journalist
- Presenter
English literature graduate and former share trader John Campbell joined TV3 as a reporter in 1989. In 1997 he began fronting his own current affairs segment on 3 News. John Hawkesby's resignation in 1998 saw Campbell drafted in to read the 6pm news with Carol Hirschfeld. In 2005 he moved to 7pm for Campbell Live, and hosted it for a decade. After returning to Radio New Zealand, he joined TVNZ in 2018.
Screenography
Biography
Apparently uncomfortable in anything except a suit and tie, a devoted Hurricanes fan, inspired by journalists John Pilger and Joan Didion, and with effusive good manners and unbridled enthusiasm, John Campbell is a singular figure in New Zealand broadcasting. Before becoming presenter of one of TV3's flagship shows, he had to fight to get on the channel — and nearly came up jobless in the restructuring that ultimately revitalised his career. He has been called a "nerd" by one Prime Minister, and a "creep" by another.
Awards
2025 New Zealand Screen Awards/Ngā Taonga Whakaata O Aotearoa
Best Presenter: News and Current Affairs
“He’s an original. Totally enhanced by frenetic enthusiasms and eccentricities. But above all, he’s genuine. He never says ‘that was good’, he always says ‘how was that?'”