TVNZ chiefs stunned as Gunn quits show on air

By LOUISA CLEAVE

Breakfast co-host Liz Gunn stunned TVNZ chiefs yesterday by quitting the show on air.

She had TVNZ scrambling to make an official announcement after telling viewers that she would not return to Breakfast next year.

It has been widely known that she and co-host Mike Hosking have not clicked as a presenting team, leading to speculation Gunn would leave.

Yesterday was their last appearance on Breakfast for the year before handing the show over to Kate Hawkesby for the summer.

Gunn and Hosking were expected back in the New Year.

In a rushed farewell, Gunn thanked the Breakfast crew, producer and Hosking.

Viewers said he barely reacted to her announcement.

TVNZ sources told the Weekend Herald that senior executives were shocked by Gunn's announcement.

Heaton Dyer, the head of news and current affairs, told the Herald on Thursday that there had been no decisions about Gunn's future on Breakfast.

He said all of TVNZ's news shows were under review.

A call to the TVNZ publicity department following Gunn's farewell revealed that no one there knew she was leaving Breakfast.

In a statement issued late yesterday afternoon, TVNZ said Gunn would remain an "integral" part of the One News line-up.

In the release, Mr Dyer said he and Gunn were discussing other opportunities to ensure she remained part of the One News team.

"Liz has made the decision to put her family first, which we fully understand and appreciate. I am confident Liz will continue to be part of the One News presenting team next year," he said.

Gunn attracted controversy for her role in a botched campaign for children's charity Children First Foundation at the beginning of the year.

It was found that a man fronting the anti-child abuse campaign had beaten his wife and stepdaughter.

TV One banned its news and current affairs presenters from endorsing charities on air following the campaign, which was jointly run by Gunn and former All Black Michael Jones.

Gunn replaced Alison Mau on Breakfast at the beginning of this year. TVNZ said it would make an announcement about her replacement soon.