Lynette Forday

Actor, writer, journalist, presenter, motivational speaker

Lynette is one of the most recognisable Asian faces on NZ television.

A ground breaker in mainstream TV she has worked consistently in the entertainment industry for the last 25 years. Her work on Shortland street has made her a household name, however her work far extends this show. Before her life as an actor she was an accomplished ballet dancer, at 17 being the youngest dancer to be employed by the Royal NZ Ballet Company. Ballet took her to America and Britain where she developed a love for acting. She returned to Australia and was accepted into the acclaimed acting university NIDA – which has produced actors such as the likes of Cate Blanchett, Mel Gibson and Nicole Kidman.

Aside from her acting career Lynette has also worked as a Reporter and  Journalist. One such show was The Panel – a sought after position where 5 core panellists discussed their opinions on current affairs. Her other reporting work includes Asia Down Under and many other live televised shows. One of her most enjoyable presenting roles was for the travel show- Destination Planet Earth which she presented from Europe and Asia. Her distinctive voice may also be heard in the commercial arena where she has worked for decades as a voice talent.

Another string to Lynette’s bow is as a Writer which has seen her published in many magazines including Next, Woman’s Day, Woman’s Weekly and the Readers Digest. When times permits she also puts people through their paces as a Pilates instructor. But perhaps the area that Lynette is most passionate about is her work as a Motivational Speaker. Her engagements have involved the young and old, one such rewarding position saw her visiting NZ high schools up and down the country encouraging young minds to believe in their unique selves. With older audiences she can be heard speaking at conferences on her journey in the quest for diversity, acceptance and change. It is this field that Lynette is most passionate about.