Patrick Gower, affectionately known as Paddy, is a renowned New Zealand journalist celebrated for his vibrant personality and exceptional communication skills. He began his journalism career as a night shift reporter at the New Zealand Herald, where he quickly made a name for himself.
Patrick later joined TV3, known as Newshub, where he covered issues of both national and international significance. He spent a decade in the Parliamentary Press Gallery as Newshub's Political Editor, covering four Prime Ministers and three different Governments. His tenure at Newshub included moderating the Newshub leader’s debates in the 2017 and 2020 elections and questioning Donald Trump during the US Election. His reporting took him to diverse locations such as Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kiribati.
Patrick hosted the current affairs show Paddy Gower Has Issues, where he tackled real stories about real Kiwis. His emotional and informative two-part documentary, Patrick Gower: On Weed, played a pivotal role in educating New Zealanders on the cannabis legalisation debate. The success of this documentary led to the Patrick Gower: On... series, including On Booze, which offered a deeply personal insight into his struggles with alcohol.
Patrick has written a book titled This is the F**ing News*. After losing his job as a journalist, he pivoted to becoming an author. The book covers his 25 years in the news industry, from his early days as a cub reporter at the New Zealand Herald to his final days at Newshub. It explains the origins of the viral This is the f#$%ing news meme, delves into the pressures of reporting in Parliament, and shares his journey of rehabilitation. The book also addresses his personal battles, including giving up alcohol and managing his own mental health challenges. Patrick describes it as "my story," revealing where he draws his motivation from. He believes it portrays an ordinary person striving to do their best in both career and life, hoping readers will find something valuable in his experiences.
After more than 20 years in journalism, Patrick continues to influence and inspire with his insights on resilience and his compelling stories from a life dedicated to uncovering the truth. Patrick has recently joined Stuff, where he continues to cover significant national and international issues.
In addition to his journalism career, Patrick is now a speaker, focusing on positive news and solutions. He shares his personal experiences of overcoming adversity and navigating change, offering his four key pillars for a better life—Connection, Optimism, Purpose, and Change. He speaks candidly about working through mental health challenges with trained optimism, overcoming addiction and redundancy, and ultimately finding purpose, joy, and the strength to change.
Patrick’s ability to connect with audiences through his raw honesty, wit, and storytelling makes him an engaging and impactful speaker, inspiring others to embrace resilience and optimism in their own lives.
Talking Points
Keynote
Paddy Gower shares a deeply personal and inspiring keynote that dives into the pivotal moments of his life and mental health journey. Through candid storytelling and reflections on the remarkable individuals he’s encountered, Paddy explores themes of connection, purpose, and regaining control amidst life’s challenges. As he embarks on a new chapter with a fresh sense of purpose, with his latest book forming the backdrop of his talk.
Keynote
Mental Health: Finding Connection, Purpose & Change
Following the success of his sold-out speaking tour and bestselling book, Paddy Gower shares his personal journey through mental health struggles and addiction, offering hard-earned insights on living a better life. Through raw and honest storytelling, Paddy explores the power of connection, optimism, purpose, and change—key areas that helped him regain control. With his signature authenticity, he encourages audiences to reflect, relate, and take away practical tools for their own well-being.
Mental Health: Finding Connection, Purpose & Change
Sustainability & Climate Change: A Frontline Perspective
Having stood on the frontline of climate change in Antarctica, Paddy Gower delivers a no-nonsense take on the reality of our planet’s future. While the outlook may be daunting, Paddy shifts the focus to solutions—discussing the urgent need for adaptation, innovation, and action. With his journalist’s eye for truth and a storyteller’s ability to captivate, he breaks down the complex issue of sustainability in a way that is compelling, insightful, and—most importantly—practical.
Sustainability & Climate Change: A Frontline Perspective
Political Update: A Lighthearted Deep Dive
Having covered three elections and served as Political Editor for ** years, Paddy Gower brings an entertaining yet informed take on the ever-changing world of politics. With his signature wit and deep understanding of Aotearoa’s political landscape, Paddy breaks down key issues, global influences, and what’s really happening behind the headlines. Whether you're a political junkie or just trying to make sense of it all, Paddy's talk is an engaging, insightful, and thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Political Update: A Lighthearted Deep Dive
Entertaining After-Dinner Speaker: Paddy Gower Unplugged
Paddy Gower is a master storyteller with a knack for spinning outrageous, hilarious, and often unexpected yarns. From behind-the-scenes moments in journalism to personal anecdotes that are as relatable as they are ridiculous, Paddy knows how to keep an audience laughing. Whether you're looking for an entertaining after-dinner speaker or just someone to liven up an event, Paddy delivers a performance that’s unforgettable, engaging, and full of laughs.
Entertaining After-Dinner Speaker: Paddy Gower Unplugged
Paddy was fantastic at working a room, he introduced himself to all the wait staff pre-event, and met everyone of our 40 attendees during dinner before making his speech. He referenced some ... keep reading Electricity Networks Aotearoa
Paddy was a fantastic MC and impressed from the outset. He took time to really understand our audience and injected the right dose of natural wit and humour into our two day event, keeping the audience engaged and entertained throughout. With his relaxed style and candid approach he managed proceedings effortlessly and was delightful to work with. Paddy was a brilliant choice for our conference
Paddy was an excellent MC for our Business Awards. He mixed and mingled with the audience the entire night and was only too happy to pose for photos with the guests.
Paddy was fantastic to work with leading up to and during the event. He was really interested in the event we were creating and very enthusiastic about the topics and content. He was very professional and his delivery on the day was exceptional. Our audience have provided fantastic feedback about him and the content that he delivered.
Knowledge, passion, and soul – a rare and powerful combination that Paddy embodies effortlessly. His deep understanding, combined with his genuine compassion, makes him not just a speaker, but an experience that leaves a lasting impact on everyone who hears him.
