Simon Dallow farewelled from 1News as TVNZ staff mark end of an era

Simon Dallow was joined by former TVNZ presenters as he departed the 1News studio last night to celebrate his final 6pm news bulletin.

After signing off from 1News at Six for the last time, Dallow and his colleagues commemorated his 30-year career at TVNZ with a guard of honour.

Wendy Petrie, his former co-anchor, returned to lead the long-standing primetime presenter into the newsroom.

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Other TVNZ staffers shared their well wishes to social media as they continued celebrating the “era of news” with drinks at a local bar.

Photo / Aziz Al Sa'afin

Journalist Aziz Al Sa’afin posted a series of pictures lauding the “legend” and “friend”.

Photo / Aziz Al Sa’afin

The former Australian news correspondent expressed his gratitude to Dallow, whom he described as “the best mentor a journalist could hope for”.

Photo / Aziz Al Sa’afin

Fellow reporter Isobel Prasad shared several snaps of the team out and about alongside photos of her and the acclaimed news presenter.

Photo / Isobel Prasad

Indira Stewart also posted her support for Dallow.

Photo / Indiva Stewart

“Seeing so many former TVNZ legends show up too is telling of how much we all respect what he’s done and given to the news,” she wrote.

Melissa Stokes will be taking over Dallow’s role from next week, having already presented the 6pm weekend news since 2019.

In a statement, TVNZ chief executive Jodi O’Donnell said Stokes is well prepared to fill Dallow’s shoes.

“She’s done an exceptional job fronting weekends and this experience alongside the strong leadership role she plays in our newsroom makes her a natural successor.”