Photography: Robert Trathen
If The Bachelor NZ was looking for a leading man who can actually hold a conversation, remember his mum’s birthday and cook a decent Sunday roast, they couldn’t go wrong with ThreeNews sports presenter Mitch Redman.
The 25-year-old journalist might just be New Zealand’s most eligible bachelor – though he’d need a quick rundown on how the reality show works since he’s not watched a single episode!
“I’m an old soul in that space,” laughs Mitch.
“Everyone at work talks about Married At First Sight and Love Island, but I just stick to Sky Sport. I probably need to expand my channel repertoire.”
Being centre of attention may be a little out of his comfort zone, but the laidback, Auckland-based Cantabrian is a good sport at our Woman’s Day photoshoot. And though he’s hitting his stride in his professional life as a Stuff sports reporter and ThreeNews presenter, he admits his personal life needs work.
“I’ve always had girl mates, so I never felt like I was missing in that area, but just recently, with work going so well, I’ve started thinking it would be nice to settle down and find someone to spend more time with,” he confesses.
“I’d just like someone I could feel secure with and who feels safe to be herself with me. Someone I can laugh with, who likes going to festivals and concerts – outside of work, I love a bit of a boogie. It would also help if she was across what’s happening in the world. As much as it would be nice to not talk about work, I like to discuss current affairs!”
A family man at heart
Mitch laughs when asked where he sits on the romantic scale.
“I like to think I could be a romantic if I needed to be and, for a bloke, I’m above average at cooking. I love putting together a good old-fashioned roast on a Sunday.”
Asked about his other positive traits, he replies, “Hopefully other people would say I’m kind and quite caring, and I can make people laugh. I’d say I’m not a mama’s boy, but I probably am – which she’ll like to hear!”
Mitch’s parents Leeann and Derek are role models when it comes to love, having just celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary.
“They’re both so comfortable around each other, but also give each other their own space,” he says.
“They have such great friends, which is important to me – I know the people around me now will be the people around me in later life. I had a great upbringing in Christchurch. Settling back down there with a family and kids one day is the dream.”
Embracing his whakapapa
Mitch also has ties to the Far North – his Māori heritage through his dad’s side traces back to Te Rarawa in Kaitaia.
He explains, “Dad was raised by his grandmother, but tracked down his birth father before I was born and was welcomed straight in. We’ve been super-fortunate to grow up knowing that side of the family. They’re very special to us. Something I really want to knuckle down on is learning te reo. I’d love to do full immersion one day.”
Until then, Mitch is keeping busy with what he describes as his dream job. While most kids were sleeping or watching cartoons, he was glued to the news and Breakfast before school.
“I was an odd cat,” he grins.
“I was also obsessed with rugby – Mum and Dad used to call me the Signature Stalker because I’d go to every Crusaders training day or All Blacks book signing. It’s surreal to now be interviewing them for work.”
Living his broadcasting dream
These days, instead of chasing autographs, he’s the one telling the stories – from sideline coverage to major news events, such as the Port Hills fires, the Bondi terrorist attack or Cyclone Gabrielle. Of the flooding in Hawke’s Bay, he recalls, “It was unreal – houses in the middle of paddocks, silt everywhere… And our hotel had no power or water, so we were living in the clothes we arrived in – we stunk!”
After broadcasting school, Mitch landed a role at Newshub radio in Wellington, working out of the Press Gallery with Tova O’Brien and Jenna Lynch. When that disbanded, he joined AM, which closed in 2024.
“Five years and two restructures,” he says wryly.
“It’s been a ride.”
There was a brief foray into producing for Mike Hosking at Newstalk ZB, but Mitch missed being out reporting, so nabbing his current gig was a dream come true.
“I love sports,” he grins.
“It’s my happy place to be flicking through all the channels.”
Now he just needs someone special to join him on the couch!
