With a brand new role at TV3, the purchase of her very first house and other milestones ticked off the list, broadcasting star Samantha Hayes has had quite the busy 2016.
In fact, the Newshub presenter has been so preoccupied she almost forgot another memorable moment coming up this year – the ten year anniversary of her first day at the network she describes as her “second home”.
“A reminder popped up on my diary and I thought, ‘Whoa, a decade!’ I still can’t really believe it happened,” she tells Woman’s Day.
Sam has now taken on the co-host role alongside Mike McRoberts on Newshub Live at 6pm. Photo: Supplied
Now aged 32, the intrepid journalist was just 22 when she first reported for duty on the former Nightline.
Looking back at those early days, Sam has to laugh at what she called her “rough around the edges” reporting style – but it did spark a passion for the job that has never left her.
Since then, Sam’s career has gone from strength to strength. In May, it was announced that she would be taking over for Hilary Barry as co-host of Newshub Live at 6pm, following Hilary’s shock departure from TV3.
That’s not the only challenge Sam has taken on this year, however. The flame-haired broadcaster has also bought her first home in Auckland and can’t wait to get stuck into her planned renovations, armed with her own “lady-sized hammer”.
Despite the eventfulness of the past few months, Sam says life in her 30s is better than ever.
“I feel a bit more comfortable in my own skin now,” she reveals.
For the full story and gorgeous photos with Sam, see this week’s issue of Woman’s Day.
