She’s done everything from covering Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral to sheltering from bombs in Gaza. Now Melissa Stokes has a new chapter ahead of her at the helm of 1News. Longtime anchor Simon Dallow, 61, steps down from the flagship TVNZ news show on November 28 and the national broadcaster has announced that weekend news presenter Melissa is Simon’s “natural successor”.
Last year, Melissa, 38, opened up to the Weekly about the loss of her beloved mum Gill in 2023, following a seven-year journey with cancer. She shared one of the best lessons she learned from her mum – both in life and in death – is making the most of every opportunity that comes her way.
“I want to surround myself with my wonderful family and friends, and keep striving to do what I do best,” she said.
“And it’s all from Mum that came from. She was always willing to make sure I could take the career opportunities that were presented to me.”
Melissa began her career as a reporter in the network’s Christchurch newsroom, before eventually scoring her dream job as Europe correspondent in 2006, where she met her now-husband, cameraman Dave Pierce.
After welcoming their two sons, Hugo, 13, and Freddie, 11, Melissa enjoyed the time to ease back into the newsroom when she stepped into the role of weekend news anchor in 2019. Now she’s ready to take the leap to bring the news to the nation every evening. As she has previously told the Weekly, nothing beats the thrill of live TV.
“Rolling news or breaking news is the ultimate for me. I did a three-hour block after the Kaikoura earthquake. That is when I really love the newsroom most because everyone is there trying to get the best work on air to inform the public.”
