Simon Barnett facts for kids

Simon Barnett (born 23 March 1967) is a well-known radio and television host from New Zealand. He has been a familiar voice and face on screens and radios for many years.

Simon Barnett's Career Highlights

Simon Barnett has had a long and varied career in broadcasting. He has hosted many popular shows on both radio and television.

Early TV Shows and Radio Work

In the 1990s, Simon hosted a TV show called Clash of the Codes. This program featured sportspeople taking on different physical challenges. He presented a similar show in 2018, named XVenture Family Challenge.

Simon also worked on children's TV. He was a host on the show What Now? from 1988 to 1992. This show was very popular with young viewers.

On the radio, Simon co-hosted the morning show on Christchurch's 92 More FM. He worked with Gary McCormick until 2018. Before that, he co-hosted with Phil Gifford. He also had a breakfast show on 91ZM and worked for Radio Nelson.

Acting and Reality TV

Simon has even tried acting. He appeared in a New Zealand movie called Ruby and Rata in 1990.

In 2015, Simon showed off his dancing skills. He won the New Zealand version of Dancing with The Stars. This competition pairs celebrities with professional dancers.

Later Hosting Roles

From 2008 to 2009, Simon hosted Stars in Their Eyes. This show was a New Zealand version of a popular UK musical talent show.

In 2013, he hosted Mitre 10 Dream Home. This series helped families build or renovate homes. That season was set in Kaiapoi, a town in Canterbury that was rebuilding after the 2011 Christchurch earthquake.

In 2019, Simon joined Newstalk ZB in Christchurch. However, he returned to More FM in January 2025. He said it felt like "walking in the front door of the family home" after being away for a few years.

Simon Barnett's Personal Life

Simon Barnett was born on 23 March 1967, in Ashburton. This town is near Christchurch in the Canterbury area. He went to Ashburton College from 1980 to 1984. He was even the Head Boy in his final year.

Simon was married to Jodi since 1991. They had four daughters together. Sadly, Jodi passed away in October 2023 after battling brain cancer. Her illness led Simon to step away from his role as the Christchurch More FM breakfast show host.

Simon has also spoken out on public issues. He supported the "Vote NO" campaign in the 2009 New Zealand corporal punishment referendum. This referendum was about a law concerning child discipline.

See also

• List of New Zealand television personalities

External links

• Children's TV show "What Now" with Catherine McPherson
• "Clash of the Codes" (1994) TV Series.
• "Wheel of Fortune" (New Zealand version – took over from Phillip Leishman)
• Official Stars in Their Eyes page at TVNZ
• Official Si and Gary Breakfast page at MORE FM