JohnTerris
- Producer
- Director
John Terris, QSO, moved from radio into television when the new medium hit New Zealand in the early 60s. Starting as a continuity announcer, he went behind the scenes, directing on the first seasons of TV staples Country Calendar and Town and Around. In 1978 Terris began a 12-year run as Labour MP for Western Hutt, including time as the deputy speaker, and later became Mayor of Lower Hutt. An ordained Anglican priest, in 2013 the former broadcaster took on the role of president of advocacy group Media Matters in NZ.
Screenography
Biography
John Terris counts himself lucky to have worked in the early days of television. His media experience proved useful when he reinvented himself as a politician.
Whanganui born, and brought up in the Taranaki, Terris fell in love with radio as a child. Christmas came early at high school when he was offered a copywriting job at the local radio station. Then he was told someone else had it. A replacement offer at Wellington’s 2ZB quickly followed.
Awards
1989 Queen's Service Order
For Public Services
“Miracles were wrought with the proverbial piece of Number 8 wire. Sets that collapsed, aeroplane sounds penetrating the studio during Victorian dramas, the unmistakable print of an exercise shoe on a trail supposed to have been used only by pre-European Māori – these are screen moments I cherish.”