James McOnie

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  • MC
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James McOnie is a talented MC, host, writer and broadcaster who has spent "too many years in the media" by his own admission.

On stage, he brings humour, professionalism and the ability to read the room. He's known for transforming traditionally long and dreary awards nights into something enjoyable. James is proudly from Te Awamutu, and grew up in the Waikato in a family that loved sport, comedy music.

He now lives in West Auckland and has worked for The Crowd Goes Wild on Prime and Sky TV since 2006. 'CGW' is New Zealand's longest-running sports show. He also works for the Alternative Commentary Collective, either calling live sport or as part of the top-rating Agenda podcast. And he's a member of the Radio Hauraki whānau.

A journalist by trade, James wrote for regional and Sunday papers in New Zealand, and for newspapers in Britain, before switching to TV and radio in the mid-2000s.

James is Pakeha and Māori. His iwi are Ngai Tahu and Ngāti Maniapoto.


VOICE STYLE: Retail. Brand. Narrative. Warm. Deep. Energy.


TESTIMONIALS

James was well prepared and bought his “A” game to achieve a great event. He wasn’t fazed with late changes, which is always really helpful with awards events. He was great to work with and I had great feedback from both the rest of the team and attendees. We all had some good laughs, with enjoyable kiwi humour that hit the mark! One of our board members felt he was the best MC that the region has had to date.
-Master Builders Bay of Plenty

James was awesome! His sense of humour and his ability to think on the fly captures the NZ psyche beautifully! I love the way he starts a sentence and then does the ‘hesitation’ and ‘fade away’ – it was excellent. James was really well-received and we will definitely use him again! Our guys LOVED him!
-NZbrokers

James was outstanding! He added so much to our annual awards evening and I have had great feedback from our team, sponsors, and attendees from the night. He read the room well, got a lot of laughs from the crowd and kept the night running smoothly. One of the best MCs we have had to date and a great guy as well! Would definitely recommend him!
-Sport Hawke’s Bay

James was easily the highlight of our annual awards evening and was spot on with his humorous – and often risqué – take on life. Great on his feet, very engaging and just what the doctor ordered to get the night firing. Highly recommended.
-Telfer Young

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