John Campbell became a national voice during some of New Zealand’s most defining moments, including his powerful coverage of the Christchurch terror attack. His ability to connect with people and tell their stories with empathy made him one of the country’s most respected broadcasters. From leading investigations on Campbell Live to fronting major national crises, he has shaped New Zealand journalism for decades.
Born in Wellington in 1964, Campbell studied English Literature at Victoria University before starting his career in radio. He joined TV3 in 1991 and quickly became a trusted news anchor. In 2005, he launched Campbell Live, a current affairs show that ran for ten years, earning multiple awards for its fearless investigative journalism. After leaving TV3, he hosted Checkpoint on Radio New Zealand and later joined TVNZ, co-hosting Breakfast before becoming its Chief Correspondent in 2022. Throughout his career, he has won numerous awards, including Best Presenter and Investigation of the Year, proving his commitment to impactful journalism.
As New Zealanders, we are immensely proud of John Campbell’s dedication to truth and storytelling. His work has brought attention to injustice, disasters, and important national issues, always putting people at the heart of the story. His career is a testament to what journalism should be—fearless, compassionate, and deeply connected to the people it serves. John Campbell is not just a journalist; he is a voice for New Zealand.