TVNZ news show Sunday has ended after 22 years with its presenters and behind the scenes crew issuing an emotional goodbye on screen.
The show was axed as part of a recent restructure at TVNZ, with long-running news bulletins One News at Midday and One News Tonight also being canned. The iconic consumer rights show Fair Go was also axed as part of the cost-cutting measures across the business that resulted in 68 job losses.
The final episode carried tributes from former guests who had appeared on the show, including the likes of Dame Lynda Topp who broke the news her breast cancer had returned on an episode.
"This is a sad day really because we say goodbye to the most incredible programme,” said Dame Lynda Topp during the on-air tributes.
In the final moments of the last ever Sunday episode, presenter Miriama Kamo and her wider team appeared on screen to share memories of making the show.
"We say goodbye to our whare Sunday," Kamo said.
"The memories are precious. Thanks to all who have told their stories."
"But as much as we built it, it built us and we are grateful. From this whānau, from the Sunday team, it is time to sign off. For the final time we say thanks for joining us."
The decision was widely condemned when it was announced in April.
However, following the final broadcast on TVNZ on Sunday night, there was a renewed wave of anger at the axing of the show.
Former Prime Minister Helen Clark was among those taking to social media to say the decision was "shameful".
"Sad to see last episode of Sunday current affairs programme on TVNZ: the victim of an unwillingness & /or incapacity to think outside the box on funding of long form current affairs programming. Who will tell NZers' compelling stories now? Shameful," she wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Others who had worked on the show shared their thoughts as well.
"You are all incredibly inspiring. It was an honour to have worked in your team for a brief stint this past year. You guys are legends," reporter Logan Church wrote.
"Just not right to end this show. It's a part of New Zealand and the real-life stories that are told," another wrote online.
On Friday, it was announced TVNZ was being forced into mediation over its cuts to news programmes.
The Employment Relations Authority [ERA] has found the Crown-owned broadcaster "breached" a clause of a collective agreement with news staff.
The E tū union took the case to the ERA, after TVNZ announced it would axe high-profile shows Sunday and Fair Go and its Midday and Tonight news bulletins.
"The Authority finds that TVNZ has breached cl 10.1.1 of the collective agreement," ERA member Peter Fuiava said in the determination.
The authority found TVNZ had an obligation to consult with staff under the clause.
If there is no resolution after mediation, the authority says a compliance order will be issued ordering TVNZ to comply with the clause.
E Tū's negotiation specialist Michael Wood told Newshub it was a "strong ruling" and that the union "had won".
In a statement, TVNZ said it was "disappointed by the decision".
