Journalist, TV host and mental health advocate

Overview

Matt Chisholm is one of New Zealand's most respected journalists and TV hosts, known for fronting Survivor New Zealand and Celebrity Treasure Island, alongside long stints on Sunday, Fair Go, Close Up and Seven Sharp. Today he uses those storytelling skills for something different — touring the country talking openly about depression, addiction and what it takes to come back from burnout. He is the inaugural ambassador for the Rural Support Trust.

Who is Matt Chisholm? Matt grew up in South Otago, a self-described sensitive youngest of four boys raised on Speight's "Southern Man" posters and 1st XV rugby. He started drinking at 13 and built a successful 15-year TV career while privately battling alcoholism, depression and burnout. After hitting rock bottom in 2018 — the same year close friend and colleague Greg Boyed died by suicide — Matt got sober, wrote the number-one bestseller Imposter, then The Road to Chatto Creek, and moved his family to a sheep and beef farm in Central Otago. He has now delivered more than 150 talks across rural and corporate NZ.

Career Highlights • Host of Survivor New Zealand and Celebrity Treasure Island • Senior reporter on Sunday, Fair Go, Close Up and Seven Sharp • Author of the #1 bestseller Imposter and follow-up The Road to Chatto Creek • Featured in documentaries Like a Man and Man Enough • Inaugural ambassador for the Rural Support Trust • Sober for more than 13 years

Key Speaking Themes • Mental health, depression and burnout • Men's wellbeing and reimagining "Southern Man" masculinity • Addiction, sobriety and self-honesty • Rural mental health and isolation • Storytelling, journalism and vulnerability in leadership

What Your Audience Will Gain Matt is warm, funny and unflinchingly honest. Audiences leave with permission to talk about the things they've been hiding, practical perspective on burnout, and the reminder that vulnerability is strength rather than weakness.

Ideal For • Rural, primary industries and trades events • Men's health, wellbeing and EAP-themed sessions • Media, marketing and corporate leadership offsites • Sales kick-offs and team days • Conferences and gala dinners across NZ

Frequently Asked Questions...

What does Matt Chisholm speak about? Mental health, depression, addiction, burnout, masculinity and the small daily habits that helped him rebuild — sleep, exercise and connection.

What are Matt Chisholm's books? Imposter (a #1 bestselling memoir on his mental health journey) and The Road to Chatto Creek (on swapping TV for farm life).

Where does Matt Chisholm live now? Matt and his family live on a 29-hectare sheep and beef farm at Chatto Creek in Central Otago.

Is Matt Chisholm involved with any charities? Yes. Matt is the inaugural ambassador for the Rural Support Trust and headlines its Time Out Tour, taking mental health conversations to rural communities across NZ.

Has Matt Chisholm spoken publicly about addiction? Yes. Matt has been sober for more than 13 years and speaks openly about his battle with alcohol and what helped him stop.
Is Matt Chisholm available for keynotes and panels? Yes. Matt is one of NZ's most in-demand wellbeing speakers, with more than 150 talks delivered across rural, corporate and conference audiences.