I Am Rotorua – Paul Hickey

I Am Rotorua Lifestyle

Even if you haven’t been in Rotorua for long, chances are that you’ve either met, seen or heard the voice of Paul Hickey, radio announcer extraordinaire for The Hits Rotorua.

When he’s not in the recording studio, Paul works – seemingly nonstop and all hours – MC’ing events of all kinds, from Dancing for Hospice to the Rotorua Business Awards. If that’s not enough, he’s led the annual Fill the Bus Christmas appeal for the past decade – not just promoting it, but day-tripping through Rotorua and collecting donations while delivering his show on 97.5FM, live from the bus. Is there anything this guy can’t do?

Paul was born in Rotorua – probably with a mic in his hand.

“I went to school here, got into radio when I was 16, left for a couple of years but came home because that’s it, it’s home. All the family were here and it’s just a great place to live.”

When asked what he else loves about Rotorua, he says, “It’s so hard to narrow it down to one thing. I just enjoy hanging out. Again, lots of family here, lots of great friends, cool places to be, and I enjoy walking in the Redwoods as it’s always nice and refreshing. The fact that it’s so close to work, close to home, to just get away from everything, it’s an amazing environment.

“The natural beauty and the location – we’re so lucky here with all the natural environment. The vibe in the city is positive and with the location, we are close enough to all the other places around the North Island. If you want to go to the big city, it’s close, if you want to go surfing, it’s close, if you want to go skiing it’s close. Any friends or family around the North Island, you can see them in a day. But all being based here with all of our natural wonders.”

~ Paul Hickey, The Hits announcer