It was the end of era as Hilary Barry said goodbye to TV3, after 23 years with the company on Friday night.
The veteran journalist made her final appearance behind the Newshub desk tonight, reading the 6pm news for the very last time alongside co-anchor and close friend Mike McRoberts.
It was Mike who paid tribute to his long-time co-worker.
“Hilary you’ve been with us here at Mediaworks for 23 years, and over that time you’ve become such a much loved part of this family.
“Its been such an honour to spend the last 11 years here with you,” he said, choking back tears.
“I can’t imagine what life is going to be like here, without you around.”
Much was made of Hilary’s hilarious habit of getting the giggles, and her relaxed and popular approach to her high-profile role, as a clip of her funniest – and best – moments was played, including her lauded work immediately after the Christchurch earthquake and in South Africa, following Nelson Mandela’s death.
Signing off with one last good night, the beloved broadcaster appeared calm and composed as she delivered her last news bulletin for the network, right until the end.
“I hope you’ve all cried like I have,” she said, waving a pile of tissues.
“I’m incredible grateful for a wonderful 23 years here.
“Thank you for welcoming me into your homes…for putting up with the giggles – and the occasional tears.”
Perhaps knowing she would not be able to convey her feelings on screen, earlier in the day Hilary posted a message to her fans and supporters on Facebook, echoing those words.
“It’s time to say goodbye and thank you,” she wrote.
“Half of my life spent in one place with wonderful people – friends, teachers and mentors.
“Thank you to every single person who tuned into TV3, More FM and Radio Live over the last 23 years. I know I wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea but to those who felt they had a friend in me, you did, just as I had a friend in you.
“Thank you for your kind words over the years and for the ticking off when I didn’t get things right. I always listened to that advice too.
“Take care and for the last time from the news-desk tonight,
“Good evening.”
Click through to see Hilary Barry’s career through the years.
Hilary and Mike McRoberts
On Friday morning, it was a quiet goodbye as she finished her role alongside Paul Henry on his morning televised radio show.
“Thank you for the heartbeats you have given this show from day one. I’ve loved working with you. We’ve had a lot of fun,” Henry told Hilary.
“We’ve laughed – a little bit too much sometimes,” she said in return.
Hilary began her career with TV3 in 1993 as a news reporter in Christchurch. At the time, she went by her maiden name Hilary Pankhurst.
Throughout the following years, she would go on to become a familiar face on Kiwi screens, covering everything from the royal wedding to the Christchurch earthquakes.
Memorably, she also had an exclusive interview with Oprah Winfrey – one of her personal heroes – before the media mogul vistieted New Zealand for the first time last year.
After such an extensive career with TV3, it came as a shock when Hilary announced her resignation at the end of April.
“I have had a wonderful and varied career at MediaWorks and am very grateful for the opportunity to have worked with some incredibly talented people over the years who have been both mentors and friends,” she said in her official statement.
“I am thrilled to have been a part of the launch and success of Newshub and Paul Henry. I know I’m leaving both performing well and in great shape.
“For now though, I am very much looking forward to recharging my batteries and spending more time with my family.”
As one chapter closes, another is set to begin – and while rumours are rife that Hilary will be heading over to rival broadcaster TVNZ, nothing has been confirmed as of yet.
