Three’s biggest names gathered in Auckland to take a final group photo outside the Flower St studios where the news shows are recorded and to appear on the 6pm broadcast.
Footage of Newshub journalists on a plane to Auckland aired during the show and a drone shot of the entire crew was shown at the end.
Political editor Jenna Lynch joined Newshub Live at 6pm in the studio to chat cancer drug funding, while Europe correspondent Lisette Reymer did a live cross on the British election results, which, it turned out, wasn’t live at all but had been pre-recorded before Reymer flew back to New Zealand.
Reymer had recorded her piece to camera outside 10 Downing St ahead of time, wearing the same outfit tonight that she wore in London.
“This election result was so clear that I was able to film this package weeks ago before flying back to NZ,” she said.
It prompted one viewer, commenting on social media platform X, to describe the Newshub team as “magnificent”.
Hosts Mike McRoberts and Samantha Hayes presented together for the final time, pausing to briefly acknowledge the end of an era near the beginning of the broadcast.
Hayes added: “More than 300 jobs have now gone, with many still out of work.”
During a segment filmed earlier that day and aired during the bulletin, she said, while holding back tears: “My motto today, no tears until 7 o’clock.”
Andrew Gourdie presented his final sports segment after revealing a couple of months ago that with Newshub’s closure he would be “stepping away from 6pm news”.
Samantha Hayes and Mike McRoberts fronting the final Newshub 6pm bulletin.
He brought in Nicky Styris, the usual 6pm sports presenter on Fridays, for a final farewell.
Styris said: “It’s been an absolute honour and privilege to share the sports news alongside you.”
She hoped she’s been a role model for other wahine in sports journalism.
Gourdie said to his colleagues and crew: “Thank you so much for everything you’ve done,” and to the viewers, “thank you all for watching”.
Weather presenter Heather Keats thanked viewers for tuning in and sending in weather videos and sunset photos. “It’s been a pleasure to work alongside you all.”
A montage of some of the lighter moments, from bloopers to bare bums to on-air mishaps, aired before the 6pm crew gathered around the desk for a final time.
Patrick Gower walks out from the Newshub studio for the final time after 14 years on the job. Photo / Alex Burton
McRoberts and Hayes were presented with bouquets of flowers by their colleagues and the tears were finally allowed to flow as they said their goodbyes.
