Geoff Robinson has made a shock announcement that he will quit Morning Report on Radio New Zealand.
Robinson told listeners at the end of this morning’s show, that he would leave on April 1 next year, the show’s 39th birthday.
Co-host Simon Mercep said on-air he was “completely surprised” by the announcement.
Robinson thanked new Radio NZ chief executive Paul Thompson, who allowed him to announce his own resignation.
“It’s time for me to enjoy a sleep-in and making the decision now gives Radio New Zealand time to find a replacement,” he said.
An audibly-emotional Robinson signed off Morning Report the same way he has done hundreds of times before, with the bird call.
“There’s more emotion here than I thought there would be,” he said.
Kathryn Ryan, opening Nine to Noon, also expressed surprise.
Robinson has been in broadcasting for more than 40 years and hosted the morning news programme for 35 years. He is widely considered the voice of Morning Report, and has worked alongside 30 co-presenters in his time on the show.
Thompson, Radio New Zealand chief executive, acknowledged what he said was Robinson’s outstanding contribution to Radio New Zealand.
“Geoff has been both witness and interrogator during a period of significant change in New Zealand and the world . . . and has calmly and intelligently helped New Zealanders understand these complex stories and issues.
“He is a broadcaster of the highest calibre and it is a remarkable achievement to have maintained such high standards of thoughtfulness, fairness and insight over such a long period.”
Robinson joined the New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation after emigrating from Britain in 1965, joining Morning Report when it started in 1975. In 2002, he became the first New Zealand broadcaster in North Korea.
In 2005 he was awarded an honorary doctorate in literature by Wellington’s Victoria University and at the 2007 New Zealand Radio Awards was given a special award for outstanding contribution to radio.
The news comes after long-time Sunday Morning host Chris Laidlaw announced his resignation. Laidlaw leaves the show on December 22 after more than a decade.
Listeners have reacted emotionally online, with some suggesting Robinson should be knighted for his efforts, although others said the resignation is overdue.
Actor Beth Allen said on Twitter: Geoff Robinson just announced his retirement after 37 years at RNZ. He got a bit teary. So did I.
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Porirua mayor Nick Leggett said on Twitter Robinson would be missed: I grew up with his friendly and reassuring voice in the morning delivering important news.
Twitter user Tommy Honey said: Not a dry in the car as #geoffrobinson announces his retirement from @NzMorningReport The voice of moderation & reason; observer, influencer
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