The break followed a harrowing experience abroad for the reporter who, after an emotional farewell from Breakfast, found himself covering Brexit, shootings, supply-chain shortages, elections, jubilees, recessions, and the war in Ukraine - all amid lockdowns and personal trials.
Speaking to 1News upon his return home, Faitaua shared that his time abroad and the circumstances surrounding his post weren't always easy: "When you are stuck in a pandemic for almost two years, I'm not going to lie about it, boy, oh boy, I'm even surprised that we didn't divorce," Faitaua said of the toll it took on his family. He went on to describe the period as "the toughest three years" of his life.
When Faitaua made the decision to leave New Zealand three years ago, taking up what had been his "dream job" since "he enrolled in journalism school", he did so knowing he would never see his brother Anthony again. Diagnosed with terminal cancer, his brother gave him his blessing and the pair bid goodbye in a "bittersweet farewell".
While the veteran broadcaster is yet to comment on his new plum role behind the news desk, fans will no doubt be thrilled to see Faitaua is well and truly back in Aotearoa.
