Breakfast presenter Jenny-May Clarkson has been farewelled from TVNZ’s screens with memories, laughter and emotion after nearly 20 years with the broadcaster.
Earlier this month, it was announced Clarkson would depart. She spoke of feeling “excited, anxious, scared, but ready” for the next move.
At 6am on Friday morning, as the lights came up, an already-emotional Jenny-May and co-host Chris Chang welcomed viewers to her Breakfast swansong.
“It’s my last show Chris Chang, just in case you didn’t know,” she joked.
Clarkson said she had done “a lot of growing over the last six years”, and thanked viewers for sticking with her through it all.
The producers delved deep into the archives, compiling some of the best moments of Clarkson’s career on Breakfast and other times on air.
Clarkson said farewell to Breakfast and TVNZ today after nearly two decades at the broadcaster. (Source: Breakfast)
Holding back tears, Clarkson said the “greatest privilege had been giving people the space to tell their stories”.
“I have never taken that for granted and like I say it’s been a privilege, so thank you for trusting me with your stories.
Speaking as the show closed, surrounded by her whānau, Clarkson said the job had “never been a right, it has always been a privilege”.
“As I leave TVNZ after 20 odd years, I just want to say thank you to the people here who have helped shape me.
“Thank you for your love and support, and for making these years unforgettable.
“I’ve been surrounded by hard working, passionate, clever people who turn up every day to serve you, our audiences, and often it’s under pressure, but always with heart.”
She tearfully thanked each member of her family before turning back to the viewers.
“And lastly, to you our audience, thank you for the honour of being in your homes every single morning, I have never taken that for granted.”
‘A champion for so many’ – Chris Chang
Chang said “Jenny-May, what a joy it’s been to watch you shine on the couch the past six years on Breakfast.
“The wheel of change has turned year after year, but you’ve held down the fort. Comforting, guiding and cheering the younger staff and presenters.
“While we have shared this couch, a love of sport, and a passion for telling our guests stories.
“On a personal level, the most important thing has been sharing and understanding of balancing the best job in television with the most important job in the world at home.
“You are tenacious, but vulnerable. Competitive, but understanding. And you’ve shouldered the responsibility and you’ve been a champion for so many.
“It’s been a privilege and a pleasure to be part of the latest chapter of your journey,” said Chang.
1News colleagues pay tribute
Throughout the show this morning, Clarkson’s colleagues – and guests – spoke of their love and well wishes for the veteran broadcaster.
1News Political Reporter Maiki Sherman said: “I want to say to you, how much I love you, and respect you and how much you’ve been a pillar of strength for us as Māori and Pasifika journos here at 1News, here at TVNZ.
She praised her as the “Māori matriarch here at TVNZ”, saying “I just want to mihi to you, we are going to miss you”.
“It was a joy, and never a chore,” she finished as an emotional Jenny-May diverted the conversation back to the topic at hand.
Shortly after, the newly-announced 1News at 6pm weekends presenter and Q + A host Jack Tame said in a video tribute: “you are the woman”.
“It’s just been such a privilege to work with you, and I just think it has been an amazing experience from a viewers’ perspective to see someone so authentic on our screens every morning.
“You’re going to be dearly missed. Kia kaha, go well,” he finished.
1News chief correspondent John Campbell said Clarkson had shown up “three hours a day, five mornings a week, 15 hours of Jenny-May giving a damn, making an effort, extending your empathy and your generosity”.
“And I loved watching it, and it inspired me and I admire you so greatly,” he said.
1News Europe correspondent Kate Nicol-Williams thanked Jenny-may for her service and “inquisitive questions”.
Former Breakfast co-host Matty Mclean praised Clarkson as “such a smart woman, warm, empathetic [and] kind”.
“Working alongside you was genuinely one of the great joys of my life.”
