Wilhelmina Shrimpton (born 29 April 1990) is a New Zealand journalist and MC. She has worked across various newsrooms on TV, radio, and digital platforms for over 15 years.
The 34-year-old cemented her journalism credentials while working with Today FM. She has also produced her weekly podcast, The Core, investigating issues of the day.
| Wilhelmina Shrimpton | |
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 Wilhelmina Shrimpton is the founder and director of Wils and Co Media.
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| Quick Facts | |
| Name: | Wilhelmina Shrimpton |
| Born: | 29 April 1990 (age 34 years old) |
| Nationality: | New Zealander |
| Parents: | Wendy (mother) Rene Den Harder (father) |
| Education: | Bachelor of Commerce |
| Occupation: | Journalist, MC |
| Spouse: | Mike Sanders (div.) |
| Partner: | Ben O’Keeffe |
| Residence: | Auckland |
| Website: | www.wilsandco.com |
Early Life
Wilhelmina Shrimpton was born on 29 April 1990 to Wendy and Rene Den Harder. She was four years old when her grandfather Lloyd died of bowel cancer.
Some years later, her father, Rene Den Harder, revealed to her his diagnosis of liver cancer. After being on the donor list for eight months, he had his surgery. Her mother, Wendy, successfully battled at age 33.
Shrimpton had an irregular result from a smear test some years ago, but a core biopsy removed it all. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree.
Where has Wilhelmina Shrimpton worked?
Shrimpton MCing at Breast Cancer Cure event in Tauranga, where over $50 thousand was raised for breast cancer research, in February 2024.Shrimpton first set foot inside a newsroom at 17. She was in one of New Zealand’s biggest newsrooms at TVNZ. She worked he way up to a junior reporting role.
The television personality has radio credits also. Shrimpton was a journalist at RadioLIVE before returning on screen to report for Newshub Live at 6 pm. After many workdays, she became the main newsreader for the late-night offering – Newshub Late.
TV star Shrimpton co-hosted the drive show on Today FM. She worked as an investigations editor and host and led the documentary series Today FM Investigates.
After leaving Today FM, Shrimpton sought a full-time broadcasting role. She couldn’t get it after talking to many newsrooms in New Zealand, as many had a budget for freelancers. So, she launched her own business – Wils & Co. Media.
After working for seven years for Three, she left the news-reading role on Newshub 2021 months after Discovery acquired the channel from Mediaworks.
Shrimpton covered the America’s Cup 2021, the Kawerau siege, and the Kaipara Harbour boating tragedy. She has been on the ground during notable events such as Sydney’s Lindt Cafe siege and two New Zealand elections.
High-profile court cases and social issues are in her reports. She has covered in-depth investigations into ex-partner stalking, synthetic cannabis, ram raids, online trolls, and party drugs in New Zealand.
Shrimpton has been a finalist on the NZ Radio Awards and Voyager Media Awards. She bagged the Best News Journalist and Best Long Form Video at the 2023 New Zealand Radio Awards.
Shrimpton received an unexpected one-month work request from India. She was to work six days a week with an international news network and its journalists as they prepared for the G20 Summit in Delhi.
In early 2023, Wilhelmina Shrimpton became a specialist investigative journalist at MediaWorks.
Aside from establishing her presence as a television personality, Shrimpton is a successful MC. She has hosted many notable events, including the New Zealand Mortgage Awards in April 2024 and the Kiwi-Indian Hall of Fame Awards in December 2023.
Shrimpton is a Breast Cancer Cure (BCC) ambassador. She was asked to be part of the latest winter Tees For a Cure Campaign alongside her partner Ben O’Keeffe. She also attended the Fashion for a Cure event for the third time in June 2024.
Personal Life
Wilhelmina Shrimpton has parted ways with her husband of five years, Mike Sanders. The duo, who had a beautiful wedding on Waiheke Island vineyard, separated positively and amicably.
TV Star Shrimpton is currently dating rugby referee Ben O’Keeffe. She and her new partner moved into a new home on Auckland’s North Shore. They met on Instagram before they exchanged messages and had a first date.
References
- Rebekah Hebenton. “Summer lovin’ fun: our stars kickback“. Nowtolove.
- Amy Prebble. “Wilhelmina Shrimpton and Ben O’Keeffe reveal plans for marriage, children in future“. NZherald.
- “Wilhelmina Shrimpton reflects on her biggest year yet“. Nowtolove.
- Ricardo Simich. “Spy: Broadcaster Wilhelmina Shrimpton and husband separate“. NZherald.
- “‘My Family Heartbreak’“. PressReader.
