Fair Go's Kevin Milne leaving TVNZ

Kevin Milne. Photo / Bay of Plenty Times

TVNZ has announced Fair Go stalwart Kevin Milne is leaving the broadcaster after the show's season ends later this year.

In a press release from TVNZ, Mr Milne said: "Last year, at the age of 60, I chose to give away the reporting side of my Fair Go job, and agreed to front until a new presenting team was well established. That was expected to take a year, and it has.

"I leave TVNZ enormously grateful for the wonderful career it has provided me, to say nothing of so much fun," he said. "TVNZ has also been very generous in helping me through two periods of ill health."

Mr Milne underwent surgery on a benign brain tumour last year.

"I can't express how lucky I've been to have been able to play a major role in Fair Go, one of New Zealand's most successful and worthwhile TV programmes," he said.

"I wish the team every success in the future. I hope the show goes on helping New Zealanders forever."

TVNZ launched a revamped version of Fair Go this year, adding Alison Mau to the presenting team.

Mr Milne began his broadcasting career with the NZBC in 1970 and joined Fair Go in 1984 - the last year it was fronted by Brian Edwards. Mr Milne took over fronting Fair Go in the mid-nineties.

In a press release, TVNZ's head of news Anthony Flannery said Mr Milne was "one of the best known and most appreciated public figures in the country".

"There are literally generations of New Zealanders who know that when it comes to consumer rights, Kevin Milne is the man.

"There will be many, many individuals whose battles he took on, who will never forget him and who will always be grateful."

Mr Milne holds the New Zealand Order of Merit for his contribution to broadcasting and the community.

He has won several Qantas Television Awards, including two for Best Presenter News and Current Affairs, most recently last year.

This year, in a Reader's Digest Poll, he was also voted the second most trusted man in the country after Willie Apiata.

- NZ Herald staff