Hilary Barry is counting down the hours until her debut leading TVNZ's new Breakfast team on Monday.
The veteran anchorwoman has been on an extended break since signing off from MediaWorks in May, ending a 23-year association with TV3, where she worked on Paul Henry's morning current affairs show and co-hosted the network's 6pm news bulletin.
Last month Barry and co-host Jack Tame were announced as replacements for axed Breakfast presenters Rawdon Christie and Nadine Chalmers-Ross on the revamped show - and they can't wait to get started.
"I needed a clear head to focus on this new project," Barry told the Herald on Sunday. "My batteries are now recharged, I'm re-energised and I'm ready for a new adventure."