The pair hinted at a larger send-off for Clarkson towards the end of the morning show.
In the first hour, Clarkson received many emails from viewers, including one from her former teacher and lots of people wishing her the best for the future.
“It’s my last day and I am definitely not going to cry,” Clarkson said with a laugh.
Breakfast hosts Chris Chang, Jenny-May Clarkson and Daniel Faitaua.
Reporter Jack Tame also gave a special message to his long-time friend, along with a clip from their early days on the Breakfast desk with Hilary Barry and Stacey Morrison, before Clarkson was a regular.
The outgoing host reflected on the clip afterwards, pointing out her dramatic hair change.
“I look like a baby!”
At the midway point of the show, a highlight reel was shared of her best and funniest moments from her five years as a regular on Breakfast.
They included a lot of dancing videos alongside former hosts Matty Mclean and Melissa Chan-Green, and lots of laughter with guests.
It also showed Clarkson’s compassionate side, comforting flood victims as they spoke to her live on air.
“That’s been the greatest privilege, giving people space to share their stories… I have never taken that for granted.”
1News political editor Maiki Sherman spoke of her love and respect for Clarkson.
“You have been a pillar of strength for Māori and Pasifika journos here at TVNZ.
“You have been a Māori matriarch… it has been a joy and never a chore.”
LockerRoom founder Suzanne McFadden, who has known Clarkson for three decades, joined her on the couch to talk women’s sport and give a special farewell to her friend.
“I have always been so inspired by how you have always reinvented yourself into another better thing, and I will miss you, but I will see you.”
When McFadden wished her well for whatever she did next, Clarkson admitted she hadn’t figured that out yet.
The presenter has been in the role since 2020, most recently alongside Chang, and is one of the network’s longest-serving presenters.
She’s also the first wahine Māori to be appointed to the Breakfast co-host role – representing her Ngāti Maniapoto and Ngāti Kahu heritage.
Earlier this month, when her departure was announced, Clarkson said it had been an incredible journey over the past five years.
Before she was a regular feature on our screens, Clarkson made her name on the court.
She became a household name at age 23, debuting as a Silver Fern in 1997. She played 26 tests over six years for the team and also represented Aotearoa in touch rugby.
After retiring from competitive sport, she applied for a job as a sports presenter with TVNZ in 2005, following a chance encounter, and has been with the network ever since. Before that, she was studying part-time to become a teacher. She also worked as a police officer in Hamilton.
She moved from sports news presenting in 2019, replacing Daniel Faitaua on Breakfast, when he left to take the network’s European correspondent role. She then landed a permanent spot on the couch in 2020, following the departure of Hayley Holt.
In early 2024, Clarkson marked a personal milestone, turning 50, alongside her journey to reclaim her Māori heritage by getting a moko kauae.