Hilary Barry

After 23 years at one network, a viral laughing fit, and a premature ‘v for victory’ sign, Hilary Barry, a seasoned journalist, found a new stage. Her career, moving from the solitary charge of a small-town newsroom to the bright lights of national television, has been a testament to her adaptability and an enduring, engaging presence in New Zealand’s media landscape. It's a journey marked by professional triumphs and moments of utterly unexpected, viral levity. Hilary Ann Barry, born in 1969, began her media life in radio, a realm where she quickly honed her skills. Picture her, in the early days, in Masterton, working for RNZ. She describes this time, rather colourfully, as being “in sole charge of a thriving newsroom that was inundated with stories of serial killers, sexual deviants and the local shearing competition, called the Golden Shears.” It’s a vivid image, painting a picture of a journalist thrown into the deep end, handling everything from the macabre to the mundane, all while learning the ropes in a solitary, demanding environment. From there, she moved to More FM Wairarapa, reading morning news and participating in the morning shows for a decade. Later, in 2009, she became the news anchor on RadioLIVE’s breakfast show, a role she held until 2016. Her voice, clear and authoritative, became a familiar sound to many across the country. But it was in television that Hilary Barry truly became a household name. In 1993, she joined TV3 as a news reporter in Christchurch, quickly moving to Auckland. She spent six years presenting the weekend news before stepping into the coveted weeknight co-anchor role for 3 News in 2005, alongside Mike McRoberts. This was a significant step, filling the shoes of John Campbell and Carol Hirschfeld, who had moved on to launch *Campbell Live*. For over two decades, Hilary Barry was a cornerstone of TV3, later rebranded as Newshub. Her presence was consistent, her reporting sharp, and her ability to connect with an audience undeniable. She was a journalist who could deliver serious news with gravitas, a skill that earned her numerous accolades, including Best News or Current Affair Presenter awards in 2011 and 2019, and the Favourite New Zealand Female Personality in 2006. In 2015, she added another string to her bow, joining *The Paul Henry Show* as its news anchor, while still co-anchoring the 6 pm news. It was during this period, in early 2016, that a moment of pure, unadulterated human reaction cemented her place in viral history. She was reading a news item about a former Malaysian diplomat who had admitted to an unusual incident involving a young woman’s home and, as the court described it, an “emergency defecation situation.” The phrase, delivered by a reporter in the story, struck Hilary Barry with such force that she simply could not control her laughter. It was an uncontrollable, infectious fit of giggles, broadcast live, that swept across the internet, garnering hundreds of thousands of views in just two days. It was a moment of vulnerability and genuine humour that endeared her to even more viewers, showing a side of the polished news anchor that was utterly relatable. Then came the surprise. In April 2016, after 23 years with MediaWorks, Hilary Barry resigned. The rumour mill immediately began to churn, suggesting a move to rival network TVNZ. Just five days after her resignation, MediaWorks chief executive Mark Weldon also stepped down. And in a moment that truly encapsulated the shifting landscape, Hilary Barry and Mike McRoberts were seen arriving at the MediaWorks office, not with solemn faces, but with champagne and beer, ready to celebrate. As she entered, Hilary Barry offered a triumphant ‘v for victory’ sign, a clear signal of her feelings, though she declined to comment further at the time. Her departure was a big story, with her long-term co-host Mike McRoberts even trying to convince her to stay. But the decision was made. Her final day at TV3 was marked by a special video tribute from McRoberts, acknowledging their long partnership. Soon after, the rumours were confirmed. In September 2016, Hilary Barry joined TVNZ, taking on the role of co-host for *Breakfast* alongside Jack Tame. It was a significant shift, moving from the evening news to a morning current affairs show, demonstrating her versatility once again. She remained with *Breakfast* until January 2018, when she transitioned to her current role as co-host of *Seven Sharp* with Jeremy Wells. Throughout her career, Hilary Barry has been consistently recognised for her talent. Beyond the awards for presenting, she has also won numerous NZ Radio Awards for Best Newsreader, and in 2020, was named 'Favourite TV Personality' at the New Zealand Television Awards. Her journey from that solitary newsroom in Masterton to the national stage, marked by both serious journalism and moments of viral laughter, speaks to a career built on genuine connection and a willingness to embrace new challenges. This portrait is based on the Wikipedia article titled Hilary Barry, available under Creative Commons. The hosts are synthetic voices.