Real Life with John Cowan

Clarke Gayford was raised on a farm outside Gisborne. By the age of 10, he knew the Latin, Māori and English names of most New Zealand fish.

A shift north to Auckland later on in life, led to a gig where he fronted all things youth TV, from chart countdowns to covering the Big Day Out, to backpacking adventures through South America.

As a radio host, his credits include The Edge, Channel Z, the drive shift on More FM, and the George FM breakfast slot. On screen, Gayford competed on reality show Treasure Island (2001). He was a host on United Travel Getaway in 2007. In 2010, he presented the third season of Extraordinary Kiwis.

Gayford's partner is Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and they are expecting their first child.