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Rawdon Christie bid an emotional goodbye to Breakfast today, as the show prepares to welcome new hosts Jack Tame and Hilary Barry later this month.
After a 13-year career at TVNZ, British born Christie took time to deliver a heartfelt message to viewers, telling them he has loved his time in “the best job in TV.”
“This team are the most dedicated hardworking team in the newsroom … and I know no one else in the newsroom will argue with that,” Rawdon said.
“We’ve put 3000 hours of live TV to air,” he said. “I’ve met rock stars, interviewed icons, covered World Cups. Will I miss it? Of course I will. Because I love telling stories … and that’s what matters about what we do for a living.”
During his final show this morning a montage of his best (and worst) moments were broadcast, including several swearing slip ups, plus his live coverage of the Christchurch earthquake.
Toni Street made an appearance to bid her former co-host goodbye, telling him: “I know we’ll stay friends and you’ll come to my house and eat food and you won’t bring anything.”
Likewise co-presenter Melissa Stokes broke down in tears as Rawdon spoke of their “special friendship,” and thanked her for helping him in his early days at the network.
Rawson’s departure comes two days after veteran journalist Peter Williams said goodbye to Breakfast, with Nadine Chalmers-Ross set to leave next week.
Twitter users expressed their sadness at the loss of the presenter, with many saying they would miss Rawdon’s sense of humour in the mornings.
Early on Friday, Rawdon shared an image of his 4AM alarm, alongside the caption: “For the last time…ever.”
