SPY: TV3 announces new Europe correspondent

3 News' new Europe correspondent, Melissa Davies. Photo / Supplied

In a statement to 3 News staff yesterday, Mark Jennings announced that reporter Melissa Davies will be the network's new Europe correspondent.

Davies will take over from Kim Chisnall at the end of January for a two year contract. She will depart New Zealand on January 17.

"There was a number of excellent candidates for the job," Jennings said, "but Mel stood out. Her work is always of a high standard and I thought her coverage of the Bethune trial in Japan was outstanding.

"Kim has done a sterling job for us (the British elections being a highlight for me) and it will be great to have her back in the Auckland newsroom."

Davies admitted the role of an overseas correspondent had been a life-long dream. As a self-described "nerdy" teenager, 13-year-old Davies wrote a letter to herself declaring it her ultimate job. Now it will be.

"I thought it was time for a new challenge," Davies told Spy. "It's what I've always strived for since I was young." She said she's most looking forward to covering the royal wedding in April.

TV3 colleagues were quick to congratulate Davies on social networking sites. "Yuuuussssss!," tweeted Nightline anchor Rachel Smalley. "You'll be brilliant. So delighted you're our new Europe Correspondent. Bless, bless! x"

Tristram Clayton tweeted: "Better find something to wear for that Royal Wedding! Congratulations you're going to be an awesome Europe Correspondent."

Michelle Pickles wrote on her Twitter page: "Congrats to you! That's awesome. You so deserve it and you will do a brilliant job as always x"