A great night of entertainment locked in for the OMRF Gala 2026

Hilary has graced our televisions across Aotearoa since 2016, but now she is joining us at the Dunedin Town Hall on 27th March 2026 at the OMRF Gala! Not only will Hilary be sharing some hilarious stories with us, she’s even agreed to be a “willing” participant for some of MC Jonathan Usher's magic tricks (so long as she’s not sawn in half apparently!).

A born and bred Wellingtonian, Hilary started her career in radio in the Wairarapa before joining TV3 as a junior reporter in Christchurch in 1993. Hilary remained at the network for 23 years as both a reporter and news anchor. In 2016 Hilary moved across town and to the other side of the remote control, joining TVNZ’s Breakfast and then Seven Sharp.

Though she’s won awards for journalism and presenting, Hilary is most well known for her giggling fits and, on one occasion, snorting on air. To this day it remains her most embarrassing moment.

Hilary’s “formal Friday” was a lockdown staple for many of her followers in 2019 and 2020 – a live baking show dressed in her many fabulous outfits.

What a night! Hilary Barry as our headline speaker, magician and MC extraordinaire Jonathan Usher as our MC, and LA Social as our fantastic band. Combine this with delicious food and wine, dancing, mingling and an auction at the stunning Dunedin Town Hall…would you want to be anywhere else?