Naked newsreader doing it for son

DAVID WHITE/Sunday Star-Times

REASON FOR IT ALL: Lisa Lewis says she is reading the Naked News for her son.

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New Zealand's first naked news presenter - exposed last week as a $7000-a-night call girl - is doing it for her son's "brilliant education".

Solo mum Lisa Lewis, 27, was hired last month for Alt TV's 10pm Naked News Flash.

Lewis hit the headlines two years ago for a bikini-clad streak during an All Blacks test.

Her website offers a one-hour, full escort service for $2000, overnight for $7000 or a weekend for $10,000 travel expenses extra.

Lewis told Sunday News she was mentally prepared for being revealed as a hooker but wouldn't reveal what her parents said.

"I'm proud of everything I put my name to or connect my name with. The phrase 'I am happy in my own skin' is a good representation of me."

Selling sex was "in the best interests for both my son and myself from a financial perspective".

"Being an escort does not make me less of a mother. I'm earning a good income and being able to give my son a brilliant education and the chance for him to live out his own dreams and his own aspirations in the future."

She refused to discuss her client list but said she was probably New Zealand's most expensive working girl.

"My prices are excessive for a reason, I go for quality rather than quantity."

Lewis said people should not hate her. "Admired maybe for doing a job the majority would not be head-strong enough to do."

The aspiring newsreader said Alt TV on Sky's Channel 65 and online was a breath of fresh air.

"I very much doubt they would let a hooker or stripper on TV1 or TV3 to read the news."

- © Fairfax NZ News