He completed a journalism diploma from the New Zealand Broadcasting School at CPIT (now Ara Institute of Canterbury) in 1986.

McRoberts grew up unable to speak Māori, as detailed in the 2022 documentary Kia Ora, Good Evening.

[5] He moved to rival network TV3 as a reporter in 2001 and began a presenting role the following year as host of 60 Minutes.

In March 2005 McRoberts and journalist Hilary Barry were appointed as newsreaders for the flagship 6pm bulletin then titled 3 News (now Newshub).

In mid April 2024, McRoberts announced he would retire from news broadcasting after Newshub closes on 5 July 2024.