Talking The Talk: Meet The Real Peter Williams

Cruising Into A New Radio Role, The Tv Legend Reveals The Magic Of Making A Sea Change.

- Kelly Bertrand

He’s been a fixture on our screens for almost 40 years – an unwavering, unflappable beacon of class and professionalism, reading us our news and sport.

But while TVNZ legend Peter Williams has now disappeared from our screens following an emotional farewell from the station, this year you’ll be able to get to know him in a way you never have before.

Following years of fair and balanced reporting and presenting, the time has finally come for Peter to enlighten the country with his own point of view. Yes, he has opinions, and boy, does he want you to know about them!

“If I’ve developed a persona over time as the straight-up news presenter, then this year I might upset a few people,” Peter (65) tells the Weekly with a wry grin.

“I might offend a few people – they might say, ‘Oh, that Peter Williams isn’t as nice and balanced as I thought he was!’ Well, I’m sorry. That’s just too bad. Anyone who knows me knows I’ve never been scared to voice an opinion.”

This year, Peter is embarking on a new journey. It sees him returning to his radio roots – where he started his media career as a teenager on Radio Otago (now More FM). He’s hosting a show on new station Magic Talk, broadcasting from his adopted hometown of Tauranga. It’s a huge change for the sports stalwart, who admits to some apprehension around the new gig – after all, starting a new job the same year he’s received a SuperGold card takes a bit of adjustment!

“I guess I won’t be taking those free ferry rides to Waiheke,” he laughs. “And that’s another thing we should be talking about – should people like me in a high-end profession be able to claim a pension? It’s an interesting discussion,” he enthuses.