Gary McCormick

Gary McCormick is one of New Zealand's most skilled and entertaining satirists. His mind is bent in a very unusual way, which makes him useless in many fields – housework, life skills and relationships – but he is a genius nonetheless.

Gary McCormick is what the CIA calls a ‘systems analyst’. He can spot a plot a mile off and is extremely paranoid – which could qualify him as a chess grand-master and very little else. Fortunately he had a solid Kiwi upbringing in Titahi Bay, Porirua where he was smacked and forced to learn to spell at school (something which would never happen now!). Radio presenter and commentator, television star, corporate speaker, comic, published poet. Renowned for his long-running documentary series on life in the New Zealand hinterland, Heartland, and on-the-road talk show McCormick, Gary is one of the country’s most popular celebrities. He is also one of the most sought after speakers on the corporate circuit, providing his own topical brand of humour as an after-dinner speaker and conference MC.

The former gardener, surfboard manufacturer and merry-go-round operator from Titahi Bay (subject of the award-winning Bay Boys documentary), Gary McCormick was whisked from his job as a gardener at Porirua Hospital to the life of a touring performer, when his first book of poems Naked and Nameless won a Pen Poetry Award. He has since had another 6 books of poems published, the last being Lost at Sea (Hodder Moa Beckett 1995). Years of touring with rock bands followed, as well as comedy tours and a growing number of corporate speeches. He also promoted and appeared in a series of Celebrity Comedy Debates that filled town halls throughout New Zealand. Invited to front One Television documentary Raglan by the Sea, his offbeat, amusing style won his first television outing the ‘Documentary of the Year Award’.

In 1997 Gary was named New Zealand Entertainer of the Year. A delight in language and the cut and thrust of debate, make Gary one of the finest and most amusing speakers in the English language. ‘I like to improvise. Use a hand-held radio mike, talk to people and be truly creative in my performances. I like excitement. I want the speeches to be fun – for me and the audience.’

A popular speaker on the corporate circuit since Adam went to Toastmasters, Gary McCormick is now blazing into action SOLO. Gary’s performances can be tailored to specific events – conferences, client functions or general festivities. The content of Gary’s shows appeals to a wide range of ages and backgrounds – he is light on swearing and free of smut! Gary is always willing to incorporate material relevant to your company or industry. At the beginning of 2003 Gary took on the ‘serious job’ of co-hosting the More FM breakfast show with Simon Barnett. He had never had a full time job commitment like this before and it was initially a difficultdecision. He had so much fun touring with the likes of David Lange, Mayor Tim Shadbolt, Sam Hunt, Kim Hill, Ginette McDonald, Tom Scott and with former English rugby captain Martin Johnson and Colin Meads on The Big Night Out tour.

Fortunately More FM are happy for him to continue his touring. Gary is 50 something years of age, ‘sartorially-challenged’ by his own admission, the owner of a single thin tie (circa 1963) and has ambitions to write more. Ride your funny bone and experience the thrills and spills of analysis, satire and comedy – Gary McCormick style!