Mackay celebrates 30 years on air

• Published date: 15 April 2024
• Publication title: Bush Telegraph

Then, host Jamie Mackay was happily commentating club rugby in exchange for a dozen cans of DB Bitter from the Mataura Licensing Trust

Cut to 30 years later, The Country has a loyal following all over New Zealand and Mackay is a household name in rural broadcasting.

While the show has gone through many changes over the years, its host has remained a constant, so what better way to celebrate The Country’s 30th than with the man himself?

Here, Jamie Mackay answers seven burning questions about The Country, his career, and rural life in general.

1Looking back on 30 years — what are you most proud of?

Well, firstly I’m proud that I’ve survived 30 years in a pretty cut-throat industry. I’ve always joked that 95 per cent of all radio jobs are lost when you’re on annual leave. And that there’s always...