A former accountancy student at Otago University and a Lincoln College graduate in agriculture, Jamie farmed at Riversdale in Southland for ten years before a brief and undistinguished career as a house-husband.

In 1994, he negotiated the purchase of 4ZG from Radio New Zealand, the first and only sale of a state-owned radio station to private enterprise, which went on to become Hokonui Gold. From there, the Farming Show took root before going nationwide on Radio Sport and then Newstalk ZB, rebranded in 2016 as The Country.

Jamie is an equity partner in a Southland dairy farm and is involved in a wetland restoration project on his home farm, where he also enjoys duck hunting with a few old schoolmates. In a past life a keen rugby player and marathon runner, these days he relaxes by getting wound up on the golf course.

In 2024 he was recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours (ONZM) for services to broadcasting and the rural community and, to top off a great year, was awarded life membership of his beloved Riversdale Rugby Club.