Sam Hayes | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Hayes preparing to record at a vigil for the Christchurch mosque shootings, March 2019 | |
| Born | Samantha Hayes 25 April 1984 Pietermaritzburg, South Africa |
| Occupation | Journalist |
| Known for | Newshub Live at 6pm |
Samantha Hayes (born 25 April 1984) is a South African-born New Zealand journalist and newsreader.
Hayes was born in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa to a New Zealand father and a South African mother.[1] The family relocated to Milton in Otago, New Zealand when she was six months old. She has a sister and a brother. She received her education at Tokomairiro High School.[2][3] She studied at the University of Otago and finished her degree, a Bachelor of Arts, Media & International Relations, at Victoria University of Wellington in 2007.
Hayes has been a vegetarian since she was 11 years old for ethical reasons. She said: "I remember looking at new lambs on the farm and thinking I didn’t want to be responsible for them being killed".[4]
In December 2020, Hayes became engaged to Jeroen Blaauw, with whom she has two children born in 2019 and 2021, respectively. Hayes suffered pre-eclampsia during her first pregnancy, leading to caesarean section.[5][6][7]
In November 2023, Hayes announced on Instagram that she and Blaauw had ended their relationship.[8]
Hayes first began work at TV3 aged 17, gaining work experience. She was initially a journalist and later became a newsreader. She has worked on the programmes Newshub Late, 3rd Degree, 3D which became 3D Investigates, Newsworthy, Nightline and Firstline.[9] She is currently the news anchor, alongside Mike McRoberts, at Newshub Live at 6pm. She commenced this role on 30 May 2016 after Hilary Barry's resignation.[10]
In July 2018, Hayes won series 7 of the New Zealand version of Dancing with the Stars with her professional partner Aaron Gilmore.[11]
