Kate was born to Kiwi parents in Suva, Fiji and lived there until she was five before moving home to New Zealand. She studied radio at the Christchurch Polytechnic Broadcasting School before getting her first job in Auckland as a producer and announcer, later working at Radio Taranaki, Classic Hits and IRN News. Kate then spent 8 years living in London and New York, holding a number of roles including working in a global communications role for an investment bank. She returned home in 2003, joining 3News as a reporter, presenter and producer, before moving into her dream job – Newshub's Entertainment Reporter and Film3 reviewer.

Kate is a passionate advocate of local film and filmmakers, pushing for mainstream broadcast and digital coverage of New Zealand cinema. She has acted as a judge, host and ambassador for several local film competitions, festivals and awards evenings. In 2018 she received the NZMPIC Industry Award for Excellence, honouring her contribution to the film industry in Aotearoa.