TVNZ presenter Daniel Faitaua has been praised for a heartfelt tribute to his late colleague Greg Boyed on the 1 News midday bulletin today.
The newsreader appeared dressed in all black as he reported on the death of his fellow presenter, just hours after learning of Boyed's passing.
"Our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and loved ones," Faitaua said before signing off. He was visibly upset and fighting back tears.
Presenter and journalist Greg Boyed was on holiday with his wife and young son in Switzerland when he died.
A statement from his family confirmed the death of a "treasured son, brother, husband and father," adding that Boyed had been battling depression.
Colleagues, friends and fans of Boyed have taken to Twitter to pay their respects and share their condolences.
Prime News presenter Eric Young heralded Boyed as "the kindest, sweetest, silliest man I knew".
Faitaua said the TVNZ newsroom "won't be the same," adding, "moe mai ra, e hoa - rest in peace my friend".
Messages of support have been flooding in on social media, lauding Faitaua for the touching tribute.
"Massive admiration to you for reporting the sudden loss of a dear friend and colleague on live, national news," one person tweeted.
Another praised the newsreader for keeping his composure: "Well done for finishing the midday news off so well. That would have been immensely tough."
TVNZ's head of news and current affairs John Gillespie said in a statement that Boyed "will be missed".
"He will be missed by our colleagues in the wider industry and he'll be missed by our viewers. Our thoughts are with Greg's whānau and friends."
Where to find help and support:
Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
Samaritans - 0800 726 666
Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
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