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Former TVNZ newsreader Kate Hawkesby has been ruled out of the running as host for TV3's upcoming breakfast TV show Sunrise.
The high-profile newsreader and mother of three last week quit the state network she had worked at for more than a decade, having been on maternity leave since last year. According to an unconfirmed report, Hawkesby's marriage to Richard Lyne was stressed and the pair may have parted.
TV3 news and current affairs director Mark Jennings said the station had a number of options among its staff for a female host, although the male anchor might come from outside. The launch of Sunrise, and a midday version of 3News (both on weekdays only), will coincide with TV3's exclusive hosting of the Rugby World Cup.
