Jenny-May Clarkson will be leaving her role on Breakfast after more than five years on the show.
Jenny-May began her TVNZ career as a netball commentator in 2005. Taking on a variety of presenting roles over the years, she is one of the longest-serving presenters at TVNZ and the first Wahine Māori to be appointed the Breakfast co-host role.
“Bittersweet”
Talking to New Zealand Woman’s Weekly earlier this year, Jenny-May revealed there was a “bittersweet” feeling to work this year after seeing beloved colleagues leaving the industry.
“It’s cliché and every Breakfast team would tell you this, but it’s the best job on TV, as far as I’m concerned… with the worst hours,” she shared. “The conversations that we get to have – it’s humbling and there’s lots of joy in it as well.”
When asked what are the stories that she enjoys telling the most, Jenny-May says, “All of it. The good, the bad and the ugly. The uplifting ones – the hopeful ones. Every story has something that sparks within me. And it might be something that you think is mundane, but then there’s something you connect with.
“You’re always trying to find that connection. I’t doesn’t matter who it is, you’re making a connection to that story and taking it to the audience. That’s what brings me back every time and why I’m still here five years later.”
Reflecting on her time on Breakfast
Reflecting on her time on the show, Jenny-May shared, “It’s been an incredible journey and I’m grateful to our audience who have welcomed me into their homes each morning. It’s been a privilege and an honour to be part of compassionate broadcasting — creating space for all voices, and being trusted to hold those conversations with empathy, humility, and respect.
This was always a privilege, never a right. I leave with gratitude, proud of what we’ve achieved together, and thankful for the trust and support of our viewers over the past six years.”
TVNZ will commence a process to appoint a new Breakfast presenter.
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