Jenny-May Clarkson to leave TVNZ Breakfast

TVNZ has announced that Breakfast will be refreshed in 2026, with Jenny-May Clarkson stepping down as co-host.

This announcement brings to a close Clarkson’s two-decade stint at TVNZ. Her final broadcast will be on November 21, 2025.

The end of an era

Clarkson began her TVNZ career in 2005 as a netball commentator. She has taken on a variety of high-profile presenting roles over the years, including most recently as a presenter for Breakfast, a position she’s held since 2020. 

She is also one of TVNZ’s longest-serving presenters and the first Wahine Māori to be appointed to the Breakfast co-host role – representing her Ngāti Maniapoto and Ngāti Kahu heritage throughout her time on screen. 

Nadia Tolich, TVNZ’s chief news and content officer, says: “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.

“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.” 

A privilege, never a right

Reflecting on her time at Breakfast, Clarkson says: “It’s been an incredible journey and I’m grateful to our audience who have welcomed me into their homes each morning. 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.”

TVNZ will commence a process to appoint a new Breakfast presenter. 

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