The biggest moments of 2016

Jordan Mauger and Fleur Verhoeven break up

In the breakup that shocked the nation, Jordan Mauger dumped Fleur Verhoeven only days after the final episode of The Bachelor NZ aired. The former couple have since moved on, with Fleur now dating photographer Richard Wood and Jordan Mauger has found his soul mate in L.A.-based DJ Gina Middleton.

Angelina Jolie files for divorce from Brad Pitt

After 12 years together, Angelina Jolie filed for divorce from husband Brad Pitt, citing irreconcilable differences. At the time, her attorney stated that “the decision was made for the health of her family.” The couple famously share six children – Maddox, 15, Pax, 12, Zahara, 11, Shiloh, 10, and eight-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne.

Hilary Barry resigned from TV3

After 23 years with the company, veteran journalist Hilary Barry confirmed her shock resignation from MediaWorks this year. Following her departure, it was announced that she would be fronting Breakfast alongside Jack Tame.

Johnny Depp and Amber Heard divorce amid abuse allegations

After accusing her husband of domestic violence, Amber filed for divorce in May and was granted a temporary restraining order. Amber later reportedly received a settlement of $7 million, pledging to donate it all to charity.

Paul Henry announces resignation

At the TV3 season launch, Paul Henry confirmed he would be stepping down from his morning presenting duties in 2017. In place of his breakfast show, TV3 confirmed Duncan Garner as the new host of its 6-9am weekday news programme The AM Show, which will be broadcast on TV3 and RadioLIVE.

Kanye West and Taylor Swift reignite their feud

Following the infamous MTV Video Music Awards incident when Kanye interrupted Taylor’s acceptance speech back in 2009, the feud between the two pop icons kicked off again this year. Kanye released a new song with lyrics about Taylor that she denied she approved – and Kim Kardashian went on to release footage which implied she had, throwing the internet into a meltdown.

Prime Minister John Key announces his resignation

In a shock move earlier this month, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key announced that he was resigning. Bill English went on to replace him as the new Prime Minister and leader of the National Party.

Prince Harry dating Meghan Markle

After months of speculation, Prince Harry finally confirmed he was dating stunning Suits actress Meghan Markle with a public statement issued by Kensington Palace.

Donald Trump elected President of the United States

In the election that shocked the world, Donald Trump was voted President of the United States after a hard-fought race that pitted him against Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. The 70-year-old’s campaign and controversial statements during his election campaign received unprecedented media coverage and international attention, particularly after The Washington Post uncovered footage from 2005 showing him making lewd comments about women.

Racism controversy on Real Housewives of NZ

It was 2016’s biggest reality TV controversy. In one episode of The Real Housewives of New Zealand, Michelle Blanchard was referred to as a “boat n—–” by Julia Sloane, while the stars of the Bravo reality TV series were on a luxury yacht in Port Douglas. The shocking incident garnered plenty of public backlash, and even Race Relations Commissioner Dame Susan Devoy waded into the debate.

Angela Bloomfield leaves Shortland Street

After over 20 years with the show, beloved Kiwi actress Angela Bloomfield – who played Shorty’s Rachel McKenna – left Ferndale behind. Watch her last scene in the next video.