Ever wonder how some people make chaos look effortless? Meet Helen Castles, the New Zealand journalist who’s been juggling four boys, a pet pig, breaking news deadlines, and life’s curveballs with the kind of authentic grace that makes you think, “Yeah, she gets it.”
Her story isn’t your typical celebrity fluff—it’s real, messy, and beautifully human.
Helen Castles Wikipedia
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Helen Castles |
| Age | 41 (Born November 1982) |
| Profession | Former TVNZ 1News Reporter (departed early 2025) |
| Location | Northland, New Zealand |
| Husband | Andrew Saville (married 2024) |
| Children | 4 boys total: Twins Xavier & Jayden + Andrew’s twins |
| Ex-Husband | Phil Boughey |
| Background | Competitive swimmer turned journalist |
| Famous For | Biracial twins born different days, authentic reporting |
| Social Media | Instagram: 1.2k followers, Twitter: 1.2k |
| Unique Fact | Family pet: Sophie the Pig |
| Notable Achievement | 3.3km swim with father Pat Castles (2013) |
Who Is Helen Castles? The Basics You Need to Know
Here’s what you need to know about Helen Castles: she’s 41 years old (born November 1982), recently departed from her role as a 1News TVNZ Northland reporter in early 2025, and she’s married to Andrew Saville, a sports presenter.
But honestly, those facts barely scratch the surface of what makes her story so compelling.
What really sets Helen Castles apart is how she’s navigated a life that reads like a modern fairy tale—complete with plot twists that would make screenwriters jealous.
From competitive swimmer to respected journalist, from single mom to newlywed with a blended family of four boys, she’s lived authentically through it all.
From Swimming Champion to News Champion
Just like many of us, Helen’s career took an unexpected turn that ended up being exactly where she belonged.
Growing up in the 1980s and 1990s, she was immersed in New Zealand’s swimming culture, with her father Pat Castles nurturing her competitive swimmer abilities.
Back in 2013, she proved her swimming roots run deep by completing a memorable 3.3km swim alongside Pat in the State Bay of Islands Classic—talk about keeping family traditions alive!
But here’s the thing: those years of disciplined training in the pool taught her something invaluable—how to stay focused under pressure, a skill that would serve her incredibly well in the newsroom.
Her Reporting Style That Connected
What made Helen Castles stand out as a TVNZ reporter wasn’t just her professional skills—it was her authentic Kiwi charm and genuine connection with the Northland community.
She had this gift for making complex stories accessible, bringing that authentic, down-to-earth approach that made viewers feel like they were getting news from a trusted friend rather than a distant talking head.
The Twin Story That Captured New Zealand’s Heart
Honestly, if you’re still reading, you probably get why Helen’s family story matters so much to people.
Her sons Xavier and Jayden, now 11 years old, were born with different skin tones on different days—November 6 and 7.
These biracial twins have been Sacred Heart students who constantly field questions from friends wanting proof they share the same parents.
But here’s what I admire about Helen: instead of hiding from the attention, she’s embraced their story as a beautiful example of genetic diversity in modern families.
The Kiwi twins born brown and white have become symbols of how wonderfully complex and beautiful families can be in 2024 and beyond.
Love, Marriage, and Blended Family Life
Helen Castles’ love story with Andrew Saville is the kind of second-chance romance that gives you hope.
They first met in 2005 when she was working at the Kaikohe newspaper, but timing wasn’t right. Fast forward to 2020—they reconnected, but again, both were coming out of long-term relationships.
Finally, in 2022, the stars aligned. Andrew proposed in December 2022 at Karikari Beach, and their intimate Northland beach wedding in 2024 was attended by close whānau and friends, including Shane Jones and MP Dover Samuels.
Talk about keeping it real—the groom wore khaki shorts and a white linen shirt!
Making Blended Families Work
Now here’s where it gets beautifully complicated: Helen Castles’ children include her twins from her previous marriage to Phil Boughey, plus Andrew’s twins from his past relationship.
Four boys total! The co-parenting dynamics and blended family challenges are real, but they’re making it work with grace and humor.
Helen’s Impact on New Zealand Journalism
Here’s what most people miss about regional journalism—it’s the backbone of staying connected to what really matters in communities.
Helen Castles TVNZ career focused on bringing Northland stories to national attention, covering everything from infrastructure issues to inspiring local achievements.
As a 1News Reporter, she represented something important: authentic journalism that prioritized empathetic reporting over sensationalism.
Her approach to breaking news coverage always maintained that human touch that made complex issues accessible to everyday New Zealanders.
The Unexpected Details (Yes, Including the Pet Pig)
Let’s talk about Sophie the Pig—because honestly, in a country where sheep outnumber humans, having a pig as a family pet showcases Helen’s down-to-earth nature perfectly.
Sophie isn’t just a quirky detail; she represents how this family finds joy in unexpected places and isn’t afraid to be different.
Their Northland lifestyle reflects values that many of us aspire to: authentic living, family first, and embracing what makes you unique rather than conforming to expectations.
Recent Changes and What’s Next
In early 2025, both Helen Castles and colleague Nicole Bremner departed from TVNZ as the state broadcaster implemented significant cutbacks.
While this marks the end of her TVNZ chapter, knowing Helen’s resilience and authentic approach to storytelling, this is likely just the beginning of her next adventure.
Her journey from competitive swimming to becoming one of New Zealand’s most relatable media personalities proves that sometimes the best stories come from embracing life’s unexpected turns.
Read more: Kate Hawkesby: Complete Biography, Net Worth, Family & Career Updates 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Helen Castles?
Helen is 41, born in November 1982 in New Zealand.
Who is Helen Castles married to now?
She married Andrew Saville, a 1News sports presenter, in 2024.
What’s special about Helen Castles’ twins?
Xavier and Jayden were born with different skin tones on different days.
How many children does Helen Castles have?
Four boys total—her twins plus Andrew’s twins from previous relationships.
Does Helen Castles still work at TVNZ?
No, she left TVNZ in early 2025 during company restructuring.
Does Helen Castles really have a pet pig?
Yes, Sophie the pig is part of their family in Northland.
What was Helen Castles’ background before journalism?
She was a competitive swimmer before transitioning to news reporting.
Final Words
Next time you’re juggling your own beautiful chaos, remember Helen’s story. She shows us that authenticity beats perfection every time, that modern families come in all wonderful forms, and that sometimes life’s most interesting chapters begin when you least expect them.
Whether she’s reporting breaking news or managing family dinner with four boys and a pig, Helen Castles proves that real life is always more interesting than any script.
What’s your take on Helen’s journey? Share your thoughts about modern families and career pivots—I’d love to hear your perspective!
Welcome to CelebReporting! I’m Sophia, a celebrity news expert with over 15 years of experience in entertainment journalism. I dive deep into celebrity bios, net worth, age, relationships, marriages, and more. My goal is to deliver accurate, engaging stories fans can trust. Let’s explore fame together!
