Ever wonder what it takes to build a journalism career when you’ve lost everything? Mava Moayyed‘s story might just surprise you.
This Iranian-descent reporter didn’t just overcome religious persecution – she turned her experiences into fuel for some of New Zealand‘s most impactful investigations.
Let me walk you through the incredible journey of this Baháʼí journalist who’s become one of TVNZ‘s most trusted voices, married fellow presenter Jack Tame, and recently welcomed a baby while juggling a demanding career.
Mava Moayyed Wikipedia
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Mava Moayyed |
| Birth Date | 24 June (early 30s) |
| Birthplace | Nelson, South Island, New Zealand |
| Nationality | New Zealand (Australian passport holder) |
| Ethnicity | Iranian descent |
| Religion | Baháʼí |
| Education | Master’s degree in Journalism |
| Current Role | In-Depth Reporter at TVNZ |
| Previous Work | Radio New Zealand, Sunday show reporter |
| Husband | Jack Tame (married 2023) |
| Children | Rumi (~6 years) + baby (born February 2025) |
| Wedding Venue | Mudbrick vineyard, Waiheke Island (2024) |
| Major Awards | Bruce Jesson Emerging Journalism Prize, Peter M. Acland Foundation Fellowship |
| Specialization | Investigative reporting (justice, health, education) |
| Notable Stories | $25,000 electricity scam, $3 school lunch investigation |
| Cultural Background | Family fled Iran due to religious persecution |
Mava Moayyed Age and Early Background Story
So here’s what most people don’t know – Mava Moayyed was born on 24 June to Iranian parents who had just escaped religious persecution in their homeland. Yeah, I know it sounds intense, and honestly, it is.
Her family settled in Nelson on New Zealand’s South Island after fleeing Iran because their Baháʼí faith made them targets.
Can you imagine having to leave everything you know just to practice your religion freely? That’s the reality Mava Moayyed’s parents faced, and it shaped everything about who she became as both a person and a journalist.
Growing up in Nelson with this multicultural background gave her a unique perspective that you can see in her reporting today.
She’s in her early thirties now, though the exact year of her birth isn’t publicly confirmed – which, gotta admit, is pretty smart for someone in the public eye!
The Journey from Iran to New Zealand: Mava Moayyed’s Parents’ Story
Look, this part always gets me emotional because it’s so much more than just a immigration story. Mava Moayyed’s parents didn’t choose to leave Iran – they were forced out because practicing the Baháʼí faith there can literally put your life at risk.
The Baháʼí community has faced systematic persecution in Iran for decades, and Mava’s family was no exception.
They made the incredibly brave decision to start over completely in New Zealand, carrying nothing but hope for a better future for their children.
This experience of being refugees who rebuilt their lives from scratch? It’s written all over Mava’s approach to journalism today.
She gets what it means to be vulnerable, to need someone to tell your story fairly, and to fight for justice when systems fail people.
Mava Moayyed’s First Husband and Son Rumi
Okay, let me clear something up because I see this question everywhere – when people search for “Mava Moayyed first husband,” they’re usually confused about her relationship timeline. Jack Tame is actually her current and only publicly known husband.
Before meeting Jack, Mava was raising her son Rumi as what appears to be a single parent. Rumi is now around 6 years old (though different sources give slightly different ages),
and honestly, watching her balance single motherhood with investigative journalism just shows how incredibly strong she is.
The identity of Rumi’s father hasn’t been publicly discussed, and you know what? Good for her for keeping that private.
Being a journalist doesn’t mean your entire personal life should be public property, right?
Meeting Jack Tame: Mava Moayyed’s Wedding and Love Story
Here’s where the story gets really sweet – Mava and Jack Tame met while both working at TVNZ. I mean, what are the odds of two of New Zealand’s most talented broadcasters finding each other in the same newsroom?
They kept their relationship pretty low-key at first, but people started noticing when they showed up to TVNZ’s Christmas party in 2022 dressed as Ron Burgundy and Veronica Corningstone from Anchorman.
Honestly, if you’re still reading, you’re probably thinking the same thing I was – that’s couple goals right there!
The timeline gets interesting here: they had a private ceremony in 2023, then celebrated with a public wedding at Mudbrick vineyard on Waiheke Island in February 2024.
Mava looked absolutely stunning in a white off-the-shoulder gown with a structured bodice and long veil, while Jack went classic in a tuxedo with bow tie.
The Alpaca Wedding Surprise Everyone’s Talking About
But wait – here’s the part that made headlines and honestly had me laughing so hard I spilled my coffee. Jack surprised Mava with two 1-year-old alpacas named S’more and Fudge at their wedding!
These alpacas had been driven up from the Waikato, spent four days getting used to their new environment, and then just casually showed up at the wedding like fluffy, four-legged guests.
I mean, who does that? It’s so wonderfully weird and perfect for a couple who clearly don’t take themselves too seriously.
Mava Moayyed’s Pregnancy Announcement and Baby News
In November 2024, Mava and Jack shared the exciting news that they were expecting their first child together.
The timing felt perfect – she was at the height of her career, they’d just celebrated their beautiful wedding, and Rumi was getting a little sibling.
Jack couldn’t contain his excitement during his radio shows, talking about how magical the whole experience was for them.
Then in February 2025, they welcomed their baby, making their family officially complete with four humans (plus two alpacas, obviously).
What I love about this is how they’ve managed to keep their family life balanced with their incredibly demanding careers. Both are major figures in New Zealand media, but they’ve found a way to make it work.
Mava Moayyed’s Award-Winning Career
Now let’s talk about what makes Mava such an exceptional journalist. She’s got a master’s degree in journalism and over a decade of experience, but what really sets her apart is her approach to investigative reporting.
She started at Radio New Zealand, writing features and creating short documentaries before moving to TVNZ.
Her work on the current affairs show Sunday in 2022 really put her on the map, and now she’s part of the In-Depth team where she tackles some seriously complex stories.
Full disclosure: I had to look up some of these journalism awards because honestly, there are so many! But trust me, they’re impressive.
She won the Bruce Jesson Emerging Journalism Prize and received the Peter M. Acland Foundation Journalism Fellowship in 2020. These aren’t participation trophies – they’re recognition from the industry that she’s doing something special.
The $25,000 Electricity Scam Investigation
Here’s a perfect example of Mava’s investigative style – she exposed how an Auckland couple was being charged a ridiculous $25,000 fee just for an electricity connection. I mean, can you imagine opening that bill?
Her approach wasn’t just to report the story, but to dig into why this was happening and what it meant for other consumers. That’s the kind of investigative journalism that actually helps people.
School Lunch Quality Investigation
She also investigated Minister David Seymour’s promise about $3 school lunches, looking at whether the quality matched the political promises. This kind of accountability reporting is exactly what we need more of in politics.
Mava doesn’t just accept what politicians say at face value – she goes out and checks if the reality matches the rhetoric.
What Makes Mava Moayyed’s Reporting Style Unique?
What really strikes me about Mava’s work is how her multicultural background influences her journalism ethics.
Growing up in a family that experienced persecution gives you a different perspective on power, justice, and whose voices get heard.
She talked about this on the Honest to Who podcast in July 2024, discussing the importance of empathy in journalism.
It’s not just about getting the story – it’s about understanding the human impact of the issues you’re covering.
Her focus areas are justice, health, and education – basically the stuff that directly affects people’s daily lives.
She’s covered everything from K-pop to international education fraud, showing incredible range while maintaining that core focus on stories that matter.
Read more: Damian McKenzie’s Wife, Partner, or Girlfriend – Here’s the Truth
FAQ’s
How old is Mava Moayyed in 2025?
Born 24 June, she’s in her early thirties, though her exact birth year isn’t publicly confirmed.
Who was Mava Moayyed’s first husband?
Jack Tame is her current husband; she has son Rumi from a previous relationship that she keeps private.
When did Mava Moayyed have her baby?
She gave birth to her second child in February 2025 with husband Jack Tame.
What religion is Mava Moayyed?
She practices the Baháʼí faith, which influenced her family’s immigration from Iran to escape religious persecution.
Where did Mava Moayyed get married?
Private ceremony in 2023, public celebration at Mudbrick vineyard on Waiheke Island in 2024.
How many children does Mava Moayyed have?
Two children – son Rumi (around 6 years old) and a baby born in February 2025.
What awards has Mava Moayyed won?
Bruce Jesson Emerging Journalism Prize and Peter M. Acland Foundation Fellowship among others for her investigative work.
Final Words
Trust me, I’ve had those same doubts about balancing career and family that many working parents face – Mava’s story shows it’s possible to excel at both.
She’s proven that you can be a dedicated mother and an award-winning journalist who holds powerful people accountable.
What’s next for this incredible woman? Based on her track record, I’d expect to see more groundbreaking investigative reporting that makes a real difference in people’s lives.
She’s already changed how we think about consumer protection and political accountability in New Zealand.
If you’re inspired by her story of resilience, cultural pride, and professional excellence, keep following her work at TVNZ. She’s exactly the kind of journalist our media landscape needs more of.
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!
