Mike Puru says he is ending his 20-year career at The Edge with "a heavy heart".
The morning DJ, who works alongside Dominic and Jay-Jay Harvey, confirmed with a statement read on-air this morning that he was leaving the Auckland-based radio station.
"I have had an incredible time at TheEdge, growing as a broadcaster and growing as a human and it's been a privilege being part of an outstanding team," he said.
"Radio is incredibly powerful in the way it becomes part of people's lives, we all share the ups and downs, the laughter and sadness, and that is quite a privilege when you get to do it for 20 years."
Puru said he started at the station in 1995 when it was based in Hamilton, but his favourite moment was the reaction he got in 2010 when he revealed he was gay.
"I will never forget everyone's support when I came out of the closet. You, the listeners, have helped me through some tough times and celebrated the good times, I feel like you are all part of my family, so thanks for everything," he said.
Puru didn't say in his statement what his next job would be, but he has been moving towards more TV roles, including hosting season one of The Bachelor, and on the short-lived Shopping Channel.
"Gutted" Edge radio host Sharyn Casey was quick to pay tribute to Puru.
"Mike has always gone out of his way to help out other people, whether it was to learn something new or stay at his house when you'd just moved to Auckland or had a break-up. He's more like a big brother and always will be," she posted on Instagram.
"It's with a heavy heart that I announce that I am leaving the Jay-Jay, Mike & Dom show... It's hard to believe I started at The Edge in 1995, and here we are 20 years later!
I started at The Edge when there was no Internet or email and we played CDs in a studio in Hamilton, broadcasting to Waikato only, we have definitely come along way.
I have had an incredible time at The Edge, growing as a broadcaster and growing as a human and it's been a privilege being part of an outstanding team. The travel, the stars, the laughs and experiences, but more importantly the people...the people like you who listen, the people who take the time who say; "thanks for making me laugh each morning". Radio is incredibly powerful in the way it becomes part of people lives, we all share the ups and downs, the laughter and sadness, and that is quite a privilege when you get to do it for 20 years.
I will never forget everyone's support when I came out of the closet. You...the listeners, have helped me through some tough times and celebrated the good times, I feel like you are all part of my family so thanks for everything.
I particularly want to thank Jay-Jay and Dom for all their support over the years, they are an incredible force in radio and I have learnt so much from them."
