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Television newsreader Judy Bailey has signed off from her last bulletin with TVNZ after more than 20 years with the broadcaster.
Bailey who has been dubbed "mother of the nation" and is TVNZ's longest serving newsreader, anchoring the nightly news since 1986.
Bailey joined the NZBC (now Television New Zealand) in 1971 and was a reporter for a variety of news and current affairs programmes during her first 10 years with the organisation.
From 1980 to 1987, she was an essential part of Auckland viewers' weekday evenings as presenter of the regional news in Top Half.
In 1988 she moved to One Network News with Richard Long, co-presenting the country's most popular weeknight evening news programme. In 2004, she became the sole presenter.
Head of news and current affairs Bill Ralston said it marks the end of an era in TVNZ news. "She has enjoyed a record run as a presenter and this was largely a reflection of the rapport she built up with viewers."
Bailey said the 18 years she has spent in the role had been a fantastic job. However, she said it is time to move on. "I'm ready for a new challenge."
The announcement comes after months of speculation about her future with the organisation after her $800,000 salary caused a public outcry. She was facing a $200,000-plus pay cut in 2006.
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