Jude Dobson

Jude Dobson
ONZM
Dobson in 2025
Born
Judith Mary Kirk

1966 or 1967 (age 59–60)
Auckland, New Zealand
Occupation
  • TV presenter, producer and author
SpouseGraeme Dobson

Judith Mary Dobson ONZM (née Kirk; born 1966 or 1967) is a New Zealand TV presenter, producer and author. Dobson co-authored The Last Secret Agent: The untold story of my life as a spy behind Nazi enemy lines with Pippa Latour, who shares her story as a World War II spy.

Early life and career

Dobson was born Judith Mary Kirk in Auckland in about 1966 and grew up in the suburb of Māngere Bridge. She was educated at Epsom Girls' Grammar School, before training as a nurse and working at National Women's Hospital and Green Lane Hospital. In 1987, she began part-time modelling, and made her first television appearance that year as a contestant on the show Face of the Eighties. The following year, she spent two months modelling in Japan, and worked as pharmaceutical sales representative on her return to New Zealand. She competed in the 1988 Miss Universe New Zealand pageant, placing fourth, behind winner Lana Coc-Kroft, and that year was a model in the Benson and Hedges Fashion Awards and appeared on the children's programme Spot On in an item about a day in the life of a fashion model.

Television career

Production and parenting media

Historical documentary work

Honours and awards

In the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours, Dobson was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to the community, broadcasting and historical preservation.

Personal life

Dobson is married to Graeme Dobson, a former Royal New Zealand Air Force pilot.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Jude Dobson". NZ On Screen. 23 April 2019. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
  2. ↑ "The untold story of WWII's last female spy". RNZ. 21 April 2024. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
  3. ↑ "The unburdening of a lifetime of secrets". The Post. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
  4. ↑ "'She trusted me': Jude Dobson on ghostwriting a bestselling spy memoir". NZ Herald. 22 June 2025. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
  5. 1 2 3 4 "Model, radio man to front TV quiz". The Press. 11 January 1989. p. 11. Retrieved 23 June 2025 – via PapersPast.
  6. ↑ "Family Matters by Jude Dobson". The Aucklander. 27 March 2010. Retrieved 23 June 2025.
  7. ↑ "King's Birthday Honours: Dai Henwood, Tim Southee and Jude Dobson among those recognised". RNZ. 2 June 2025. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
  8. ↑ Eley, Peter (23 April 2020). "Jude Dobson explores history of military flight in New Zealand's Air Force: Then & Now". Stuff. Retrieved 23 June 2025.