Popping the question to his TikTok superstar love Julian Sewell in Central Park, before jumping on a train to Washington DC to report on Winston Peters’ visit, perfectly sums up the New York life of TVNZ’s US correspondent Logan Church.
There was also the time during a Broadway date where Logan spent intermission writing breaking news scripts. And before their chat with Woman’s Day, the couple enjoyed a dance-off at The Kelly Clarkson Show – before Logan rushed off to file a story.
One year into his role, Logan wouldn’t have it any other way. Yet it’s not a career he considered growing up in Porirua, where he wanted to pursue architecture – “until I realised I was rubbish at it”!
Having enjoyed musical theatre, Logan, 27, loved storytelling, so he instead attended NZ Broadcasting School. He began working in radio, where he loved the impact he had, like helping Christchurch earthquake victims win insurance claims.
Meanwhile, Julian, 28, grew up in Hong Kong, where his Kiwi parents moved for work. Studying theatre, he hoped to become a YouTube star but switched to teaching to make a living. Moving to New Zealand aged 23 and becoming bored during Covid, Julian began making TikTok videos as his alter ego, “Paloma Diamond”. A 2023 post, in which Julian impersonated awards show nominees, went viral, scoring 21 million views. His videos have been liked by Adam Lambert and Kristin Chenoweth.
As Paloma rose to fame, Logan sought new professional challenges and Julian – whom he had originally met through Tinder years earlier – encouraged him to apply for the correspondent role.
“I’d never been to the Northern Hemisphere, so it was a giant leap into the unknown,” admits Logan. “But as soon as I stepped off the plane, I was working. I arrived at 3am and hours later was in court with Donald Trump.”
A “politics nerd”, Logan has loved covering this year’s US election campaign. It’s been a wild ride that’s seen him deal with his camera freezing over during an Iowa caucus in -27˚C. And with the results taking place this week, Logan is busier than ever delivering stories for 1News and TVNZ+.
“The eyes of the world are on the outcome of this election,” he reflects. “There are a lot of serious problems across the globe. With the US the biggest player, the stakes this year can’t be higher. Whoever sits in the White House has an impact on everyone, including our little country in the corner of the Pacific.”
Logan has balanced out election tension with fun times, like covering Taylor Swift mania and sword-training for the Lord Of The Rings musical. “I asked if there was space in the cast for an extra orc, but sadly not,” he jokes.
Long-distance love has been the hardest part for Logan. He “charmed” Julian during their first date at Auckland’s Commercial Bay in 2021.
“I was always interested in presenters and reporters, so I was like, ‘What happens in the studio? Is it like how it’s depicted on TV?’” recalls Julian, who’s filmed viral videos impersonating news hosts.
The two, who both came out to supportive parents at age 19, also connected over their love of theatre. They hit it off with each other’s families. “Turned out Julian’s parents are loyal 1News viewers!” laughs Logan.
With Logan having asked for Julian’s ring size, he knew a proposal was coming as they enjoyed a rooftop dinner, then a stroll in Central Park.
“But he still burst out crying,” Logan says about getting down on one knee and presenting Julian with a white-gold diamond ring. “It was amazing because Central Park’s usually crowded, but it was just us. We toasted with a drink, then I went to work!”
The pair later jetted to Cancun, Mexico, where they celebrated their engagement with spa dates and beach time. With plans for a “fabulous” Hawke’s Bay wedding, they’ve already sorted the playlist.
Until then, they’re counting down until Julian, who teaches high school English in Auckland, completes the school year and joins Logan in New York.
“What’s pulling us through this long-distance chapter is knowing I’ll be moving here,” says Julian, who lugged a suitcase of costumes and wigs to the US to film new content.
The move’s great timing for Julian as his social media continues growing, with 1.3 million TikTok followers. And while he has received the odd homophobic comment, he focuses on positive feedback.
“The negativity’s drowned out by overwhelming support,” he says. “I get so many nice messages like, ‘I look forward to your posts’, or, ‘I’m going through chemo and your videos make my day better’. That makes it worthwhile.”
Election aside, Logan reflects that New York has taught him to “embrace everything”.
“Don’t think about it – just go do it!” he enthuses. “I’m privileged to have these opportunities. I’ve got cool stuff I’m working on for post-election, which will keep me out of trouble. Well, maybe in trouble more than out of trouble!”
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