Melodie Robinson appointed GM Sport & Events

Broadcaster and media executive Melodie Robinson has been appointed TVNZ’s new General Manager, Sport and Events.

Robinson (Ngāi Tahu) will lead the sport and event strategy for TVNZ’s coverage of global sporting events such as Rugby World Cup 2019, Paralympic Games 2020 and America’s Cup 2021.

Robinson is a highly respected sports and media professional with a strong business grounding, says Cate Slater, TVNZ’s Director of Content. “TVNZ’s delighted to welcome Melodie to our team. It feels especially fitting to announce Mel’s appointment on International Women’s Day, given she’s such a role model and powerful advocate for women in sport.

“Many people know Mel from her high profile career on the field and in front of the camera. Equally impressive is her head for business and strategic vision. She’s a high performing professional and she brings incredible depth and breadth to this key leadership role in our content team."

“Live sport brings people together," says Slater. "It’s a big focus for TVNZ as we’re committed to sharing the magic of our biggest sporting events with New Zealand’s biggest audiences.”

Robinson, who starts in mid-March, says the role is a dream opportunity. “I know how rare it is that a role like this comes up; it’s my dream job, and I can’t wait to work alongside the TVNZ team.

"Making sure significant sport events are accessible for all Kiwis, and sharing special memories through TVNZ sports coverage is particularly important to me,” she says.

“Watching the 1987 Rugby World Cup on TV 1 as a 14 year old, with my dad, made me fall in love with rugby and want to be an All Black. Hearing Keith Quinn’s voice for all those years, inspired me to become a commentator.

“How fantastic to be part of TVNZ’s sport coverage for the Rugby World Cup 2019 and the America’s Cup where, who knows, maybe a few more Kiwis will be inspired by the performance of our teams, athletes and stories,” says Robinson.

Robinson is a former political journalist, sports producer, corporate communications manager and international rugby player. She was a member of the 1996 and 2002 Rugby World Cup winning Black Ferns and an international Sevens player for New Zealand. After retiring from the game, she became the world's first female rugby commentator and was a key member of SKY Sports’ commentary team. She’s been involved in covering major sports for many years, including Olympics and Commonwealth Games, rugby and netball World Cup tournaments, Super Rugby and Mitre 10 Cup rugby.

Robinson has an MBA from The University of Auckland and she is the founder of the Wonderful Group, which advocates for women in sport.

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