Jude Dobson Husband, Age, Wikipedia, Family & Career (2025 Update)

Ever wondered if it’s too late to completely change your career? At 58, Jude Dobson proves that your biggest dreams might just be getting started. 

This remarkable New Zealand television personality transformed from a registered nurse into one of the country’s most beloved media figures—and her story will absolutely change how you think about reinvention.

Jude Dobson Wikipedia

Detail	Information
Full Name	Judith “Jude” Dobson (née Kirk)
Age	57-58 years old (2025)
Date of Birth	1967 (exact date not publicly disclosed)
Maiden Name	Kirk
Nationality	New Zealand
Husband	Graeme Dobson (married since 1992)
Children	Three – Ella (born 1995), Jack (born 2001), Rosie (born 2006)
Parents	Bill Kirk (deceased 2018) and Naomi Kirk (deceased 2016)
Occupation	TV Presenter, Producer, Author
Net Worth	Estimated $1-2 million NZD (2025)

How Old is Jude Dobson in 2025?

Jude Dobson is currently 58 years old as of 2025, having been born in 1967. You know what’s fascinating about her age?

While many people think the entertainment industry is all about youth, Jude’s proving that authenticity and experience create the most lasting connections with audiences.

She’s kept her exact birth date private throughout her career—which honestly, I respect. In an age where we share everything online, maintaining some personal boundaries shows real wisdom. 

Her Jude Dobson age has never been a limitation; instead, it’s become her strength in connecting with New Zealand families navigating similar life stages.

Jude Dobson’s Husband: Graeme Dobson

Here’s where the story gets really interesting—Jude Dobson’s husband, Graeme Dobson, isn’t just a supportive spouse sitting in the background. 

This guy’s got his own impressive story as a former Royal New Zealand Air Force pilot who later founded the successful Super Shuttle airport shuttle business.

Talk about a power couple! While Jude was building her media empire, Graeme was revolutionizing how New Zealanders get to the airport. 

Their complementary careers show how two ambitious people can support each other’s dreams without competing.

Is Jude Dobson Still Married?

Yes, and here’s the kicker—they’ve been married for 33 years since 1992. In the entertainment world where relationships often crumble under public pressure, their marriage stands as a testament to genuine partnership. 

Graeme Dobson has been her rock through every career transition, from nursing to television to documentary production.

What’s their secret? From what I’ve observed covering celebrity relationships, it seems to be mutual respect for each other’s professional ambitions and maintaining privacy around their personal life.

Jude Dobson’s Children and Family Life

Jude Dobson’s children—Ella (30), Jack (24), and Rosie (19)—have all spread their wings and are currently living overseas, pursuing their own adventures. Can you imagine the quiet house after decades of family chaos?

The Jude Dobson family dynamic has always fascinated me because she managed to balance a high-profile media career with raising three kids. 

Now, as an empty nester in 2025, she’s channeling that nurturing energy into preserving veterans’ stories and creating historical documentaries.

Jude Dobson’s Daughter Ella: A Personal Advocacy Story

Here’s where Jude’s story takes a deeply personal turn. Ella Dobson experienced a serious reaction to the whooping cough vaccine as a baby, which became a pivotal moment in Jude’s advocacy work. 

This wasn’t just professional content creation—this was a mother’s response to her child’s health crisis.

This experience motivated her to speak publicly about vaccine safety and children’s health advocacy, leading to educational content that has helped countless New Zealand families make informed healthcare decisions. 

It’s a perfect example of how personal challenges can fuel professional purpose.

Jude Dobson’s Maiden Name and Early Life

Born Judith Kirk in Auckland, Jude grew up in the suburb of Mangere Bridge with her parents Bill Kirk and Naomi Kirk. 

Her grandfather Ernest Kirk was also an influential figure in the family history, though he passed away when Jude’s father was just 16.

The Kirk family background shaped her down-to-earth values that would later make her so relatable to Kiwi audiences. 

Growing up in Mangere Bridge gave her that authentic connection to everyday New Zealand life.

When Was Jude Dobson Born?

While Jude Dobson was born in 1967, she’s kept her specific birth date private throughout her career. 

In today’s world of oversharing, I find this refreshing—it shows you can have a public career while maintaining personal boundaries.

This privacy choice reflects her approach to celebrity culture: be authentic and accessible, but don’t give away everything.

Jude Dobson’s Career Journey: From Nurse to National Icon

This reminds me of anyone who’s ever stared at their career and thought, “There has to be something more.” Jude’s transformation from registered nurse to NZ media personality wasn’t just a career change—it was a complete reinvention.

Working in the post-natal wards at National Women’s Hospital in Auckland gave her invaluable insights into child development and parenting, which would later influence her television and production work significantly. 

Those healthcare communication skills? They became the foundation of her authentic presenting style.

Early Career as a Registered Nurse

Before becoming a household name, Jude worked as a registered nurse in the post-natal wards at National Women’s Hospital in Auckland. 

This healthcare background wasn’t just a job—it was preparing her for her future role as New Zealand’s most trusted voice on parenting.

The patient care and communication skills she developed in healthcare became her secret weapon in television. She understood how to explain complex topics simply and compassionately.

Television Breakthrough

Here’s how it all started: Jude placed fourth in the Miss Universe New Zealand pageant in 1988. This led to her first major television role co-hosting “Sale of the Century” alongside Steve Parr, where she appeared under her maiden name Judith Kirk.

Talk about seizing an opportunity! That pageant experience opened doors she never expected, launching her into the New Zealand television landscape.

Major Television Shows

Jude’s signature show “5.30 with Jude” (1997-2000) made her a household name, later evolving into “5 O’Clock with Jude Dobson”. She also hosted:

• “The Paradise Picture Show” – lifestyle programming
• “Body and Soul” – health and wellness content
• “Open Home” – property and lifestyle shows
• “Homegrown” – parenting-focused series

Each show demonstrated her ability to connect authentically with Kiwi families on topics that mattered most to them.

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Jude Dobson’s Production Companies and Business Ventures

In 2000, Jude founded Homegrown Television, marking her transition from presenter to producer. 

She later established Raising Children Media to create educational content for parents, demonstrating her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to meaningful content creation.

This wasn’t just about business expansion—it was about having creative control over content that could genuinely help New Zealand families.

Notable Productions

Jude’s production work includes the award-winning documentary “A Cot Death Inquiry” (2005), the “Nought to Five” parenting guidance series, and comprehensive “Raising Children” toolkits. 

Her “A Cot Death Inquiry” documentary earned significant recognition for its sensitive handling of a devastating topic affecting Kiwi families.

These productions show her commitment to creating content with real social impact, not just entertainment value.

Jude Dobson’s Net Worth in 2025

While Jude’s exact net worth hasn’t been publicly disclosed, industry estimates suggest she’s accumulated approximately $1-2 million NZD through her successful television career, production companies, and various business ventures.

Her income sources include:

• Television presenting fees
• Production company revenues
• Book sales and publishing
• Speaking engagements
• Brand partnerships and endorsements

This financial success came from authenticity and consistency, not flash-in-the-pan celebrity moments.

What is Jude Dobson Doing Now in 2025?

Between us, I’m writing this while wondering if I should pivot to documentary filmmaking too—inspiration is contagious! Jude remains active in media and historical preservation work, focusing on:

• Historical documentaries focusing on New Zealand veterans’ stories
• Partnership with the New Zealand Liberation Museum in Le Quesnoy, France
• Retirement village ambassador role
• Continued involvement with Raising Children educational content

Her recent shift toward preserving World War II aviators’ stories shows how she’s using her media skills for historical preservation.

Recent Recognition and Awards

Jude’s audio documentary about World War II aviators earned her a bronze award at the New York Festivals Radio Awards, highlighting her continued excellence in storytelling and historical preservation. This recognition proves that reinvention can lead to new heights of professional achievement.

Jude Dobson’s Personal Interests and Advocacy

Beyond her professional achievements, Jude is passionate about breast cancer awareness campaigns, children’s health advocacy, and historical preservation—particularly veterans’ stories. 

She’s also a dedicated dog lover with Weimaraners, known for their loyalty (fitting choice!).

Her advocacy work isn’t performative—it’s deeply personal, stemming from her healthcare background and family experiences. 

This authenticity is why New Zealanders trust her voice on important issues.

Jude Dobson’s Books and Publications

Jude has authored several publications, including family advice columns in The New Zealand Herald, regular contributions to The New Zealand Woman’s Weekly, various parenting guides, and online content through her Raising Children platform.

Her writing extends her television mission: making complex parenting and health information accessible to everyday Kiwi families.

Legacy and Impact on New Zealand Media

Jude Dobson’s influence on New Zealand television extends far beyond entertainment. She pioneered accessible parenting education through media, raised awareness about critical health issues, and supported New Zealand families through challenging times.

Most importantly, she demonstrated that authentic connection with audiences creates lasting impact. Her career proves that being genuinely yourself is the most powerful media strategy.

Interesting Facts

• Started TV career at 22 after placing 4th in Miss Universe NZ
• Transitioned from saving lives to changing lives through media
• All three children inherited the adventure gene—living overseas
• Husband Graeme’s pilot background influenced her love of travel
• Keeps Weimaraner dogs (known for their loyalty—fitting!)
• Documentary work has taken her to French battlefields
• Still maintains nursing registration “just in case”

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FAQs

How old is Jude Dobson in 2025? 

Jude Dobson is 58 years old, born in 1967.

Is Jude Dobson still married to Graeme? 

Yes, they’ve been married for 33 years since 1992.

What’s Jude Dobson’s net worth? 

Estimated between $1-2 million NZD from her media career.

How many children does Jude Dobson have? 

Three children: Ella (30), Jack (24), and Rosie (19).

What was Jude Dobson’s job before TV? 

She was a registered nurse at National Women’s Hospital.

What is Jude Dobson doing now? 

Creating historical documentaries and preserving veterans’ stories.

Where are Jude Dobson’s children now? 

All three are living overseas pursuing their own careers.

Final Words

If you’re still reading this, you’re probably someone who believes in the power of reinvention too. Jude’s story isn’t just about one woman’s success—it’s about what’s possible when you combine courage with authenticity.

At 58, she’s proving that the best chapters of your life might still be unwritten. Whether you’re contemplating a career change, wondering about work-life balance, or simply looking for inspiration, Jude Dobson’s journey from hospital wards to prime time shows that reinvention isn’t just possible—it’s powerful.