Broadcaster, corporate communicator and MC

Overview

Neil Waka is one of the most recognised faces in New Zealand broadcasting. A 22-year news anchor at TV3 and TVNZ, pioneer Māori news presenter, former Head of Corporate Affairs at Holden NZ and Coca-Cola Amatil and former host of Te Ao Tapatahi, Neil brings a rare blend of media smarts and corporate experience to MC and speaking work.

Who is Neil Waka? Neil began in radio before joining TV3 in 1989, where he was one of the first Māori presenters on prime time news in NZ. He spent 11 years at TV3 before moving to TVNZ, presenting the 6pm One News, the late news and the first 4:30pm bulletin. He left television in 2010 for corporate roles at Holden NZ and Coca-Cola Amatil, then returned to broadcasting in 2020 to host Te Ao Tapatahi on Whakaata Māori. He now works as a media trainer and communications specialist.

Career Highlights • 22-year career as a television news anchor at TV3 and TVNZ • One of the first Māori news presenters on mainstream prime time television • Former Head of Corporate Affairs at GM Holden NZ and Coca-Cola Amatil NZ & Fiji • Former host and co-producer of Te Ao Tapatahi on Whakaata Māori • Fundraiser for child welfare and family violence causes • Former kickboxing champion and representative rugby and basketball player

Key Speaking Themes • Te ao Māori, identity and leadership • Media, communications and corporate affairs • Resilience, reinvention and reinvention of career • Diversity, inclusion and breaking barriers • Wellbeing, sport and performance

What Your Audience Will Gain Neil brings honesty, humour and a rare blend of newsroom and boardroom experience. Audiences leave more thoughtful about identity, communication and the people around them.

Ideal For • Conferences and AGMs • Diversity, inclusion and Māori business events • Communications and media training • Awards nights, gala dinners and MC roles • Community, charity and youth events

Frequently Asked Questions...

What does Neil Waka speak about? Media, communications, te ao Māori, leadership, resilience, diversity and moving between newsrooms and boardrooms.

What programmes did Neil Waka present? Neil presented on TV3 from 1989 including Nightline and weekend news, TVNZ's 6pm One News and late news, and Te Ao Tapatahi on Whakaata Māori.

What corporate roles has Neil Waka held? Head of Corporate Affairs at GM Holden NZ from 2010 to 2015, then Coca-Cola Amatil NZ and Fiji from 2016 to 2020.

Is Neil Waka available as an MC? Yes. Neil is regularly booked as a corporate and event MC, especially for awards, gala dinners and community fundraisers.

What is Neil Waka's background? Neil is Māori and a long-time advocate for greater representation and inclusion of Māori in mainstream media and corporate NZ.
Does Neil Waka deliver media training? Yes. He works as a media trainer and communications specialist, helping leaders prepare for and handle media engagements.