Marcus Lush made his first forays into television in the 1990s, but it was a 2003 episode of travel show Intrepid Journeys that set him on a new broadcasting path. The longtime talk radio host went on to win acclaim and awards for Off the Rails, which chronicled his journey along New Zealand's railway lines, and travelled in varying directions for shows ICE, North, and South.
Marcus was raised largely in Auckland, the fourth son of a printer and a speech therapist. He began his long career in talk back by presenting a show on student station Radio BFM (now 95bFM), where he worked alongside Eating Media Lunch co-creator Paul Casserly. At the age of 24, he went on to take over the graveyard talk back shift on 1ZB.
In the mid-90s, Marcus was seen on television, on late night TV2 news show Newsnight. He spent time as host of the show's less serious half, presenting stories on guinea-pig shows and lawnmower collectors.
It was travel that signalled a new path for Marcus' television career. It showcased his informal, musing, ad-hoc style to best advantage. In the first series of Intrepid Journeys in 2003, he spent time amongst the pyramids and camels of Egypt. The show was directed and co-produced by Melanie Rakena, from Auckland production company Jam TV. After working on it, Marcus refused to make television with anyone else.
Melanie and Marcus went on to make Off the Rails, which was a big ratings success. The programme followed the trainspotting Lush as he ventured from his transplanted home town of Bluff to Opua in the North, utilizing a range of railways - including coal, freight and steam. Lush argued that the show was about more than trains: "That's why we subtitled it ‘A Love Story.' It was really a love story about New Zealand."
Marcus and the Jam TV crew followed Off the Rails with Ice, a five-part series about the history, environment and wildlife of Antarctica.
In December 2008 he began work on a new television series: South, in which he explored Southland and Otago. South began airing the following August, winning him a second Qantas award for best Presenter, and a best director gong for Melanie Rakena.
February 2011 saw the debut of a follow-up show from the same team: North. This time Marcus headed north from Auckland, visiting a number of nearby islands along the way.
These days Marcus lives in his beloved Bluff, with sons Tracker and Denver, and partner Vanessa, from where he hosts the night-time talkback show, Marcus Lush Nights, on NewstalkZB.
TESTIMONIALS
Marcus is an open and honest speaker, both thought-provoking and entertaining. He was a big draw card for our event and guests left thrilled to have seen a face, to the voice they know so well.
Janelle Willy, Arena Living
Marcus Lush made his first forays into television in the 1990s, but it was a 2003 episode of travel show Intrepid Journeys that set him on a new broadcasting path. The longtime talk radio host went on to win acclaim and awards for Off the Rails, which chronicled his journey along New Zealand's railway lines, and travelled in varying directions for shows ICE, North, and South.
Marcus was raised largely in Auckland, the fourth son of a printer and a speech therapist. He began his long career in talk back by presenting a show on student station Radio BFM (now 95bFM), where he worked alongside Eating Media Lunch co-creator Paul Casserly. At the age of 24, he went on to take over the graveyard talk back shift on 1ZB.
In the mid-90s, Marcus was seen on television, on late night TV2 news show Newsnight. He spent time as host of the show's less serious half, presenting stories on guinea-pig shows and lawnmower collectors.
It was travel that signalled a new path for Marcus' television career. It showcased his informal, musing, ad-hoc style to best advantage. In the first series of Intrepid Journeys in 2003, he spent time amongst the pyramids and camels of Egypt. The show was directed and co-produced by Melanie Rakena, from Auckland production company Jam TV. After working on it, Marcus refused to make television with anyone else.
Melanie and Marcus went on to make Off the Rails, which was a big ratings success. The programme followed the trainspotting Lush as he ventured from his transplanted home town of Bluff to Opua in the North, utilizing a range of railways - including coal, freight and steam. Lush argued that the show was about more than trains: "That's why we subtitled it ‘A Love Story.' It was really a love story about New Zealand."
Marcus and the Jam TV crew followed Off the Rails with Ice, a five-part series about the history, environment and wildlife of Antarctica.
In December 2008 he began work on a new television series: South, in which he explored Southland and Otago. South began airing the following August, winning him a second Qantas award for best Presenter, and a best director gong for Melanie Rakena.
February 2011 saw the debut of a follow-up show from the same team: North. This time Marcus headed north from Auckland, visiting a number of nearby islands along the way.
These days Marcus lives in his beloved Bluff, with sons Tracker and Denver, and partner Vanessa, from where he hosts the night-time talkback show, Marcus Lush Nights, on NewstalkZB.
TESTIMONIALS
Marcus is an open and honest speaker, both thought-provoking and entertaining. He was a big draw card for our event and guests left thrilled to have seen a face, to the voice they know so well.
Janelle Willy, Arena Living
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