Robert Trathen
Sometimes it can be hard to see how things will work out. Six months ago, Courtney Tairi was certainly in that exact boat. A victim of the shrinking New Zealand media industry. She was facing 2025 without a full-time job and no idea where her life would go.
Happier than ever
But today, as the former Silver Fern chats to Woman’s Day, she’s a new woman who, in her own words, has never been happier than she is right now.
She’s running her own business, Coco Media, has landed incredible presenting gigs at TVNZ and Fox Sport Australia. And hosts her own podcast Sharpen Up, which chats about all things sport with a Māori lens.
“I just feel like I’m living in this new, untouched world,” beams Courtney, 36.
“I’m so, so happy. I feel the most ‘me’ than I ever have and I feel everything has led to this. This is where I’ve always wanted to be and I’m finally at the point where things have just fallen into place. “Sometimes everything needs to fall apart for it to come back together better. It certainly did for me!”
Indeed, Courtney, or Coco to her friends, can’t wipe the smile off her face as she lists off a busy work schedule that’s seen her morph from employee to boss. A welcome change for the broadcaster who, up until last year, dominated our screens as a Sky Sport presenter.
Power in backing herself
When her contract ended following professional highlights, such as presenting from the Paris 2024 Olympics. She admits she was lost and slightly panicked – as anyone is who doesn’t know where the next pay cheque is coming from. However, the talented presenter decided to head out on her own, a decision that “terrified” her, but one she’s now incredibly proud of.
“I got to learn my own value and self-worth,” she explains.
“I wasn’t willing to sacrifice either for anything. I got to the point where I knew who I was and what I wanted to achieve. “And now if something doesn’t align with that, then I’m happy to go it alone. “It was a terrifying moment, though, for sure. In fact, it was one of the scariest things I’ve ever done. But I backed myself and I’m so glad I did because I don’t think I’ve been as fulfilled as I am now.”
A catalyst for her newfound confidence, Courtney tells, was her decision to reconnect back with her Māori roots and whakapapa in 2024, and attend kura (school) to learn te reo. It was a decision that has been life-changing – in more ways than one.
Back to her roots
“I know who I am so much more now,” says Courtney.
“I didn’t realise that I was going to come out of that journey a whole new person. It changed my perspective on a lot of things and made me realise what was important to me – my culture, my family and community.”
It also led her to a brand-new relationship. One she’s keeping under wraps for now, but one that’s made her enormously happy.
“I think everything happens for a reason,” she says.
“I was super-content being single and I wasn’t going to change that just because, but leaning into my te reo journey has also led me to this new relationship and it has been incredible.”
While she’s busier than ever – the calendar on her phone looks like the stuff of nightmares. Courtney says that somehow she’s more relaxed than she ever has been, both professionally and personally. She puts it down to the fact that for the first time in her career as a sportswoman and a broadcaster, she’s running her own race.
“It’s wired into you as an athlete that there’s always another ‘next big goal’ and I think I carried that over to work,” she reveals. “I felt like I needed to go to the Olympics or the next big UFC event to keep proving myself as a broadcaster and as a woman. “I work in a male-dominated industry and, honestly, the level of criticism women have still is wild – from what we’re wearing to what we’re saying. “But now I don’t feel as much pressure. I still have goals, of course, but I feel way more grounded about everything, in that I think that what’s meant for me won’t pass me by.”
Leaning into purpose
Courtney’s now enjoying her role at TVNZ, presenting their Saturday coverage of the ANZ Premiership. And is excited to still be working in league for Fox Sport, covering all Warriors home games in Aotearoa. She’s also really enjoying branching out from sport broadcasting. And has embraced telling stories that matter to her and Māori on TVNZ’s Marae.
“That’s a big change for me and one that’s massively outside my comfort zone, but I’m loving it,” she says.
“I’m still learning my reo – I’m no expert by any means. I want to be visible as a wahine Māori and give back to my community. “For the first time in a long time, I’m exactly where I’m meant to be. And it’s just the best feeling in the world.”
The ANZ Premiership game Central Pulse vs Stars screens 4pm Saturday on TVNZ 2 and streams on TVNZ+.
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