John McBeth

John is a prominent rugby and sports commentator.

A man of many words - when it comes to sport - John has been a prominent sports commentator for over thirty years. 

He began his impressive rugby commentating career at Carisbrook in Dunedin in the late 70's, and then, on shifting to Wellington, he became the country's top commentator with Radio New Zealand. A move to TVNZ in late 1992 saw him form a formidable and popular partnership with Keith Quinn, which continued through till the last rugby World Cup.

During the period 1984 to 1992 he travelled with every All Blacks side and was the radio commentator for the first two World Cups.

John McBeth has commentated and reported on many sports besides rugby. He has attended nine Olympic Games and eight Commonwealth Games and has anchored the television coverage for four America’s Cup regattas.

He was made a Member of the Order of New Zealand (MNZM) in the 2015 New Years Honours List.

He has some wonderful stories to tell about his time as a sports commentator, and also has an impressive skill in getting the best from interview subjects at functions.

Presentations:

  • After Dinner Speaker
  • MC
  • Quiz Master
  • Guest Interviewer

Testimonials:

“John McBeth was a hit at our Conference in Napier. As Master of Ceremonies he provided the perfect mix of humour and seriousness over the two days. Our conference evaluation showed an overwhelming positive reaction to John as our MC.” Clubs NZ

“You are the consummate professional. You were entertaining, ensured the event ran to time and your informal chats with the swimmers were a highlight for everyone. Yours was an outstanding contribution to the success of the function”. Swimming New Zealand 2012

“Thanks for pulling the big night off. I have had so many positive comments about the event and particularly the choice of MC. “Gisborne House of the Year "On behalf of all of us at Sputnik and the ANZ, massive thanks for you efforts on this tour. Once again your journalistic talent, your warmth, your sporting knowledge and your humour have created a series of unforgettable events for the bank and all those people who attended. Professionally, your input to the tour has been top class. Chris Brown, Sputnik

John did a brilliant job at being our Sports Trivia Quiz Master, he kept our clients engaged in the quiz and told some really funny stories. Overall it was a very successful evening - most appreciated thanks John!!  Kelly Broadbent, Forsyth Barr