KEY POINTS:
Paul Holmes' reign as the king of New Zealand broadcasting was cemented last night, as he was honoured with an Outstanding Contribution to Radio award.
Holmes, also a Herald on Sunday columnist, finishes his 20-year stint as NewstalkZB's morning host this year - and last night's honour and his continued top-rating show mean he will leave on top of his game.
At the radio awards in Auckland last night, he said taking NewstalkZB to its position as the country's number one station was the proudest achievement of his career - and he thanked his 84-year-old mum Chrissie for making the trip from Hawke's Bay to witness his award.
It was a honour tinged with sadness for Holmes, who also won the gong for best talk or current affairs host - he dedicated the night to his longtime producer Phil Armstrong, who is battling cancer.
Holmes didn't quite steal all the limelight at the awards, which were held at SkyCity. His NewstalkZB colleagues, Kate Hawkesby and Mike Hosking, made a rare public outing together, and posed for photographs.
A Herald on Sunday reporter spotted them holding hands at the table, but Hosking politely declined to comment on the status of their friendship. The pair, both separated, have always had a strong rapport - first on breakfast television and now on occasional stints on NewstalkZB, when Hosking fills in for Holmes.
Hosking will be the fulltime breakfast host from next year.
The major winners were: Metropolitan station of the year: ZM Auckland; Regional station: More FM, Manawatu; Provincial station: 1XX, Whakatane; Outstanding Contribution to Radio: Paul Holmes; Best Talk or Current Affairs Host: Holmes; Best Morning Hosts, Metropolitan: Roger Farrelly, Simon Doull, Leah Panapa and Paul Ego, The Rock; Best sports presenter: Murray Deaker, NewstalkZB.
