Longtime broadcaster Toni Street made her 1News hosting debut tonight, filling in for usual co-host Wendy Petrie.
Street, a former co-host of Seven Sharp, surprised viewers when she appeared beside co-host Simon Dallow for the 6pm bulletin.
TVNZ spokeswoman Lucy Ewen told the Herald Petrie was on annual leave and Street was called in as her temporary replacement.
"Wendy is just on leave and it's not uncommon for different presenters to fill in," she said.
"Toni is still a regular on Seven Sharp and does indeed often present the sports news on 1News."
After the programme ended at 7pm, Street uploaded a selfie with Dallow to Instagram and said it was an "exciting night".
"Exciting night presenting my first ever 6pm news bulletin filling in for @wendytvnz tonight," Street wrote.
"When I started at TVNZ nearly 12 years ago I never thought this would be in my future! #fillin #firstnight #onenews #gladitsdone".
Her followers were quick to congratulate her, one commenting, "You did fab Toni, always a pleasure to watch".
"You were awesome Toni! Love seeing you back on our screen," said another.