Samantha Hayes. Photo / Herald on Sunday
She's come a long way from Milton. So far, in fact, that late-night news beauty Samantha Hayes has been voted Auckland's sexiest woman.
The Nightline presenter grew up in the small South Otago town, but her journalism career took her first to Wellington before hitting Auckland last year,
when she took over as presenter of TV3's late-night news bulletin.
Her appeal in front of the camera has been so alluring the judges of Metro magazine's annual Best of Auckland awards compared her to screen siren Audrey Hepburn, saying she had "a way of leaning slightly from the waist towards the camera as if she's going to blow you a kiss".
Outrageous Fortune star Kirk Torrance was judged the city's sexiest man, the judges saying the actor had "the winning grin, the eyebrow flick, the attractively careful watching eyes. And the abs, of course".
The TV stars are two of more than 100 different winners in the awards - covering food, drink, nightlife, fashion, media, arts, culture and retail.
Metro editor Bevan Rapson said research and testing were carried out in every category to ensure one contender could be confidently named the best in his or her field.
The magazine calls the list, which will appear in its December issue, "a comprehensive guide for readers wanting to get out and enjoy the best that Auckland has to offer".
One presumes it intends those wanting to enjoy the city's new sexiest people to do so from their couch.
METRO BEST OF AUCKLAND
* Aucklander of the Year John Key
* Best Pizza: Dantes
* Best Fish & Chips: Oceanz Seafood Markets
* Best Wine Bar: Wine Loft
* Best Butcher: Westmere Butchery
* Best Food Market: La Cigale
* Best Radio Station: Newstalk ZB
* Best Bookshop: Unity
* Best Baby-Friendly Café Bang-Bang
* Best Picnic Spot: Pt Chevalier Beach/Coyle Park
* Best Arts Institution: Gus Fisher Gallery
* Best Movie Theatre: Lido
* Best Shoe Shop: Ashley Ardrey
* Best Breakthrough Band: Cut Off Your Hands
* Best New Store: Black Box
* Best Sportsman: Scott Dixon
* Best Sports Team: The Warriors
