It’s more than a desk that’s united Melissa Davies and Tom McRae.
The new presenters of TV3’s revamped weekend bulletin Newshub have not only shared the stress of preparing for their first-ever roles as news anchors, but also the ups and downs of moving back to Aotearoa.
“The fact that we’re going through it all together – not just the presenting, but getting our heads around returning to New Zealand – has been really helpful,” says Tom (33).
“Sitting at that desk and being able to look at each other – we’re probably feeling the same sense of nerves, but also excitement that this is a new chapter for both of us.”
With Melissa (32) spending the last five years in London as TV3’s Europe correspondent, and Tom having lived in Sydney since 2014, the pair met only briefly before teaming up for the 6pm weekend slot, but say they are already getting on like a house on fire.
“Me and Tom are having great fun,” tells Melissa. “And I love it here, enjoying all those things you miss about New Zealand.”
“I grew up here, so this was always going to be home,” adds Tom. “At work, it’s a more relaxed atmosphere.”
Both presenters reveal their whanau are thrilled to have them home – Melissa’s even got her mum using the Newshub app.
“She can be a little tech illiterate, so when she asked me to put the ‘Newshub thingy’ on her phone, I knew me and Tom were on to a good thing!”
Catch Tom and Melissa on Newshub, TV3, weekends at 6pm.
