The broadcaster, and networks in general, typically don’t advertise for core presenting roles, given the very particular skill set required, and because there is usually a succession plan in place.
However, the likes of RNZ do advertise similar roles externally, including Corin Dann’s seat as Morning Report co-host, which was also recently seen on Seek.
Do you have the skillset to fill Jenny-May Clarkson’s shoes? Photo / TVNZ
Much like Liam Neeson’s character in the movie Taken, the new Breakfast host needs to have a very particular set of skills. Skills they have acquired over a very long career. “Skills that make me a nightmare for people like you.”
Skills that one might assume TVNZ know only a select few have. So is the Seek advert a mere formality?
TVNZ confirmed to the Herald it had begun the formal recruiting process for a Breakfast presenter to join the team.
“Presenter roles are unique, and the opportunity to put your hat in the ring for one doesn’t come up every day. Because of this, it’s really important that we run a robust process that gives all interested candidates fair and equal consideration,” the spokesperson said.
“The Breakfast presenting role is being advertised internally and externally.”
Kiwis who reckon they have what it takes to replace Clarkson on Breakfast can expect a salary between $250-350k, according to the pay scale bracket set on Seek.
If that all sounds tempting, according to the job ad, you’ll also need to prove you are “a dynamic, visionary, credible presenter who will make TVNZ’s Breakfast show unmissable”.
Keep your hand up if you can “increase ratings and share for relevant age demographics on both linear and digital platforms”.
You’ll be out of the running though, if you don’t have a proven ability to make the on-air team “fabulous, inspire ambition, drive creative thinking, and deliver intelligent, compelling storytelling and content that resonates with audiences across all platforms”.
Do you hold this very particular set of skills? Photo / Seek
Due to an inherent inability to be “fabulous”, that knocks me out of the running.
Prodigious New Zealanders read on, but only if you know how to “perform live in the field, interact with studio graphics, demonstrate ability to adlib on-air in a cogent, professional and informative and informed manner”.
Still think you’re in the running? Great, you’ll also need to be able to “ maintain an excellent general knowledge and strong awareness of local, national, and international events, and be across daily news developments”.
But unless you are “relatable and trusted by the New Zealand public,” it’s sadly game over for you.
So who could actually fill this role?
Let’s assume TVNZ plans to keep the couch format the same, retaining Chris Chang and only adding a female co-host to replace Clarkson.
Here are the real possibilities of presenters who are qualified to hit the “Apply” button on Seek.
Kanoa Lloyd. Photo / Three
Kanoa Lloyd
The former host of The Project is my top pick for a presenter who can deliver exactly what this couch needs and ticks all the job requirement boxes. She’s hugely likeable, can do light and bright as well as serious deep dives. She’s the perfect choice for a refreshed couch while also picking up some of the talent lost in Three’s newsroom closure.
Anna Burns-Francis
Burns-Francis was one of Breakfast’s core four until leaving in December 2024, when the show shrank from four to two presenters. But could the new position bring her back from the Middle East, where she’s currently based for her husband’s job? She’s an incredibly strong journalist, liked by viewers, and I hear she’s rock solid at “interacting with studio graphics”.
Melissa Chan-Green
Whispers in media circles put Chan-Green high on the list of possibilities as she’s been spotted with the ‘who’s who’ of TVNZ in recent months. She’s currently a casual national presenter on RNZ, as well as hosting the School Shorts podcast, but does she have that X-factor to drive audience ratings through the roof?
Hayley Holt. Photo / TVNZ
Hayley Holt
She’s done the Breakfast job before, she rates well, and she’s a natural on the couch. The new mum-of-two has recently dipped her toes back into the broadcasting pool, hosting a podcast with Sharon Casey and Bernadine Oliver-Kerby. She could do it, but the question is, would she want to?
Wilhemina Shrimpton
Ex-Newshub Late presenter Shrimpton was another talent lost in the Newshub closure. She’s smart, savvy, has a slick presenter presence and can do both hard news and community yarns like a pro. She’s about to walk down the aisle, but will she take a detour to the Breakfast studio on the way?
Sonia Gray
Gray is an absolute gem on screen, hugely adored by the New Zealand public and a compassionate and informative broadcaster. She’s held the Lotto presenting role for the last 20 years – one of the sweetest gigs in NZ broadcasting, but would she be willing to give it up for a 3am Breakfast alarm clock?
Tova O’Brien. Photo / Supplied
Tova O’Brien
If TVNZ want to make Breakfast hard news-focused and dive deep in an election year, O’Brien would be a great option to snatch from Stuff. She’s not afraid to tackle hard issues, is a political gun and snatches some power from the ThreeNews/Stuff news offering. It’s all fair in love and media war.
Wendy Petrie
She’s held the biggest job in New Zealand television as TVNZ’s 6pm presenter, and filled in on Breakfast many times over the last few years. She’s got more experience than anyone else on the list, so would surely be a top consideration for the team.
Laura McGoldrick
A familiar face on NZ screens and airwaves, and she brings fun and charm to any role she’s put in. McGoldrick is often travelling around the world with various cricket and rugby hosting roles, so would the Breakfast couch keep her happily grounded, or would it bore her senseless?
Alice Snedden could be a wild card for the role. Photo / Andi Crown
Alice Snedden
An absolute wildcard, but a fantastic choice nonetheless, is comedian and TVNZ+ Bad News presenter Snedden. Her interview style is warm, funny and informative, and she’s not afraid to challenge powerful figures – a key skill in a role like this. Hopefully, Snedden stumbles upon the Seek ad this week.
Jenni Mortimer is the New Zealand Herald’s chief lifestyle and entertainment reporter. Jenni started at the Herald in 2017 and has previously worked as lifestyle, entertainment and travel editor.