Wendy Petrie signs off from TVNZ's 6pm news with sweet message for viewers

Publish Date: Monday, 31 August 2020, 10:55AM

Wendy Petrie has signed off TVNZ's 1 News programme as co-presenter for the last time.

And she had a message for everyone watching the show from at home: thank you.

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Taking notes, as journos do, on my last live 1pm Covid-19 press briefing for a bit. Filled an entire 8B exercise book!

A post shared by Wendy Petrie (@wendytvnz) on Aug 29, 2020 at 9:13pm PDT

"Thank you for having me for the last 14 years," she said to the camera as the show ended.

"It's been an honour and a privilege."

The mother-of-three, who has co-anchored the 6pm bulletin since she took over from Judy Bailey in 2006, will continue to present across TVNZ's news and current affairs shows in a support presenter role.

Her co-anchor Simon Dallow is staying on as 1 News changes to a single presenter format.

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Driving into Judy Bailey’s carpark 14 years ago was a daunting moment, with a newborn baby & a 2 year old at home. It’s hard to believe it’s been so long & that it’s over but I loved every minute. Thank you for all the wonderful messages. I’ve been overwhelmed by your kindness. My now 16 & 14 year old daughters (& son!) tell me how proud & inspired they are, so that’s all the motivation I need to keep going for my next exciting step.

A post shared by Wendy Petrie (@wendytvnz) on Jul 21, 2020 at 12:30am PDT

Around 70 TVNZ employees were made redundant in the network's Covid-related restructure.

Petrie's last show was meant to be August 14, however, because of the level 3 lockdown in Auckland, she stayed on for TVNZ's split lockdown teams.

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