Sean Plunket

Plunket was born in Christchurch, the son of journalist Patrick Plunket.[1] He was educated at Plimmerton Primary School and Nelson College from 1980 to 1982, where he was a member of the 1st XV rugby union team in 1981 and 1982.[2] He went on to study at the Wellington Polytechnic School of Journalism.[1]

Plunket's early positions in broadcasting and journalism included a brief stint as a copywriter at Radio Windy, five years at Independent Radio News, a short spell as a reporter for Radio New Zealand, three years as a political reporter on TV3, working as a presenter–reporter on TVNZ's Fair Go and Under Investigation programmes, and then further roles at TV3 on 20/20 and as senior political reporter.[1]

From 1997[1] to 2010, he was one of two breakfast hosts of Morning Report between 6 am and 9 am weekdays on Radio New Zealand National.[3] His regular co-host was Geoff Robinson. In 2009, Plunket lost a dispute with his employer, Radio New Zealand, who he took to the Employment Relations Authority.[4] Plunket announced his resignation from Radio New Zealand in June 2010[5] and his last day on Morning Report was 8 September 2010.[3]

From January 2011 to December 2012 he presented Sean Plunket Mornings on the Wellington branch of Newstalk ZB.[6]

Starting in April 2013 Plunket began hosting the 9 am–midday weekday slot on Radio Live, now known as MagicTalk at 12-4PM slot since December 2015, taking over from Michael Laws.[7][8] Up until 2014, he wrote a weekly column for The Dominion Post.[9]

In 2017, Plunket became director of communications for The Opportunities Party, which was established by economist Gareth Morgan.[10]

Plunket has been a recipient of Qantas Media Awards in radio and television categories, the New Zealand Radio Awards and the 2001 European Union Journalist Award.