Renowned New Zealand television personality Jenny-May Clarkson has announced her departure from the co-hosting position on TVNZ’s Breakfast show.

The 51-year-old has been a familiar face on the morning program since 2020, sharing the screen with co-host Chris Chang.

According to a report from the New Zealand Herald on Thursday, Clarkson, who has dedicated two decades to TVNZ, will bid farewell during her final Breakfast broadcast on November 21.

TVNZ has commenced the search for Clarkson’s successor, as they prepare for this transition.

In a reflective statement, Clarkson expressed that her tenure on Breakfast has been an honor.

“I am thankful to our audience for inviting me into their homes every morning,” she remarked.

Popular New Zealand TV host Jenny-May Clarkson, 51, has revealed she is leaving her TVNZ Breakfast co-hosting role

‘It’s been a privilege and an honour to be part of compassionate broadcasting—creating space for all voices, and being trusted to hold those conversations with empathy, humility, and respect.

‘This was always a privilege, never a right. I leave with gratitude, proud of what we’ve achieved together, and thankful for the trust and support of our viewers over the past six years.’

Nadia Tolich, TVNZ’s chief news and content officer, paid tribute to the outgoing host, praising her empathy.  

‘Jenny-May is a talented broadcaster who has shown an amazing ability to connect with audiences and capture raw emotion on screen, showing empathy with communities often in tragic situations, like through TVNZ’s award-winning Cyclone Gabrielle coverage,’ Tolich said.

‘She’s broadcast live and breaking news, helmed Commonwealth Games coverage and played a pivotal role in delivering domestic Netball free-to-air once again.

‘I know New Zealanders will miss her presence on the Breakfast couch each morning and we all appreciate the effort she has given to this role.’

It was a sentiment shared by many on social media, with one viewer offering on Facebook: ‘Wish you well in your next adventure.

‘You will be missed. It was great having you around in the mornings, I always had a smile or a laugh.’

The TV star has held the chair since 2020, presenting the popular morning show alongside co-host Chris Chang

Another commented: ‘Aw sadness I will miss seeing your happy face in the morning. Good luck with your next journey in life with your Whanau.’

A third jumped in with: ‘So sad to hear Jenny-May. All the best. Always a ray of sunshine. Gonna miss you.’

Before moving into the world of broadcasting, Clarkson became a household name in New Zealand as a member of its national netball team, the Silver Ferns.

She made her debut for the Silver Ferns at age 23 in 1997 and played 26 tests for the team over six years. 

Clarkson also represented her country in touch rugby, winning a silver medal at the 1999 World Cup.

After retiring from competitive sport, Clarkson joined TVNZ in 2005 as a netball commentator.

In 2019, she became a news presenter on Breakfast, before stepping up as co-presenter in 2020. 

One of the network’s longest-serving presenters, Clarkson also has the honour of being the first wahine Māori to be appointed to the Breakfast co-host role.