Gary McCormick, a celebrated New Zealand poet, radio and television personality, debater, and charismatic raconteur, has embarked on a remarkable journey within the realms of art and entertainment that has spanned multiple decades.
His poetic endeavors commenced in the year 1968, and he has since published a plethora of volumes of poetry, including the notable works "Gypsies", "Naked and Nameless", "Poems for the Red Engine", "Poems by Request", "Scarlet Letters", "Zephyr", and "Lost at Sea".
Not only has McCormick dedicated himself to the world of poetry, but he has also made substantial contributions to the realm of performance arts, authoring the comprehensive guide "Performance—A Guide to the Performing Arts in New Zealand" for the Department of Internal Affairs in the year 1979.
Moreover, he has collaborated with Scott Wilson to co-author the satirical and humorous "secret diary" of Jacques Chirac, entitled "Honey, I blew up the Atoll", which was published in 1995.
Noted television personality McCormick has garnered a multitude of accolades throughout his distinguished career in the realm of television broadcasting. Among his numerous achievements, he has been recognized with the prestigious Documentary of the Year award for his documentary production, "Raglan by the Sea". This esteemed honor is a testament to his exceptional storytelling abilities and dedication to crafting engaging, high-quality documentary content.
Following the success of "Raglan by the Sea", McCormick went on to present a highly acclaimed documentary series, aptly titled "Heartland". This series provided a unique glimpse into the lives of individuals residing in small towns across New Zealand, offering a poignant and insightful exploration of the communities and cultures that define these picturesque regions.
One of the most memorable and captivating stories featured in the "Heartland" series was that of Chloe Reeves, a young girl from Wainuiomata who unwittingly became a national sensation overnight due to her extraordinary lifestyle and, in particular, her distinctive tiger-print slippers.
Noted for his versatility as a performer, McCormick has consistently expanded his professional repertoire to encompass a diverse range of creative endeavors, including collaborations with various commercial entities, such as Mitre 10, a prominent hardware retailer, during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Additionally, his outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry have been formally recognized, with McCormick being honored as New Zealand Entertainer of the Year in 1997, a testament to his lasting influence on the country's vibrant entertainment landscape.
McCormick's multifaceted abilities transcend the realm of entertainment, showcasing a profound versatility that extends far beyond the confines of the stage or screen. Beyond his impressive repertoire of acting credits, he has concurrently pursued a multitude of other endeavors, including a stint as a gardener at Porirua Hospital, where his green thumb and nurturing spirit allowed him to cultivate a sense of serenity and tranquility among patients and staff alike.
Furthermore, his innate charisma and natural flair for showmanship have led him to take on the role of a Merry-go-round operator, where he effortlessly charmed and delighted children of all ages with his infectious enthusiasm and warm smile. Additionally, his ability to effortlessly command attention and engage audiences has made him an ideal candidate for the position of MC at the esteemed Sweetwaters Music Festival, where he has had the privilege of introducing and emceeing some of the world's most talented musicians and performers.
Today, McCormick's remarkable career in the realm of radio and television broadcasting continues to unfold, yielding a plethora of exciting opportunities and endeavors. As a co-host on More FM in Christchurch, he is currently engaged in a dynamic partnership with Simon Barnett, bringing forth a unique blend of humor, insight, and entertainment to the airwaves. Additionally, McCormick's presence is also felt on TVNZ's Good Morning show, where he consistently delivers engaging and informative content to a wide audience, further solidifying his reputation as a talented and versatile on-air personality.
