TV stars pop big question

Guyon Espinar and Emma Wehipeihana. Photo / Supplied

Love is in the air for two of the country's best-known political reporters, who took advantage of the summer break to get engaged.

TVNZ's political editor, Guyon Espiner, 40, popped the question to his partner, Emma Wehipeihana, 26, while they were on a month-long holiday in Cuba. But he waited for their last day in Havana - and admitted holding out that long was a little stressful.

"The struggle was keeping the ring a secret for a month as we travelled through hotels and putting it in backpacks. I managed to smuggle it away, I had to be a bit clandestine."

Meanwhile, TV3 political editor Duncan Garner, 36, said he and his partner, Deanna Delamere, 39, had discussed marriage while in Rarotonga. She was "keen as", he joked, but he was sidetracked by a couple of good books and never got around to proposing.

The couple, who have a 6-month-old son, Buster, were out enjoying some sun at the weekend and the time felt right, he said.

"We had this discussion for a month and so I plucked up the courage. I haven't got Espiner's big budget. I got engaged in Cuba Mall and he got engaged in Cuba."

Garner's mum, Sue, was one of the first to hear the good news. His father, Grant, died last year.

Garner plans to be married at Queen's Birthday Weekend at the family home in Wellington.

"I think Mum's looking forward to a bit of a party."

Garner has two daughters, Peti-Paerau and Te Ahipourewa, who live with their mother, TV3 reporter Mihingarangi Forbes.

"All they cared about was making sure they could come down and whether they'd be wearing dresses," he said.

Espiner said his wedding would take place after this year's election, probably in early 2012.