Dallow nails TV role on heels of tragedy

Simon Dallow was yesterday confirmed as TVNZ’s sole 6pm newsreader, a day after a personal tragedy with the death of his father.

The announcement means Wendy Petrie, 49, has lost her role as copresenter of the network’s 6pm news. She will continue to work on news and current affairs shows in a support presenter role, the network said.

Petrie last night shared a heartfelt message on social media.

“Driving into Judy Bailey’s carpark 14 years ago was a daunting moment, with a newborn baby and a 2-yearold at home,” she wrote on Instagram. “It’s hard to believe it’s been so long and that it’s over but I loved every minute. Thank you for all the wonderful messages. I’ve been overwhelmed by your kindness.”

Dallow, 56, has been offair spending time with his father, Ross, who died on Monday aged 80.

A respected athletics coach, senior police officer and a Waita¯kere City councillor, Ross Dallow received the Queen’s Police Medal in 1980 and was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2013 Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to the community.

The Herald on Sunday reported at the weekend that Petrie was told last Thursday about the move, which is part of a Covid-19 restructure the company announced on June 15.

“I’m proud to have been a core part of the incredible 1 NEWS team, who each day come together to produce and present a one-hour news programme for New Zealanders from scratch,” Petrie said in a statement released yesterday by TVNZ.

The transition to the new 1 NEWS weekday presenter setup will begin next month.

TVNZ said the change to a sole newsreader for the 6pm bulletin “will align the presentation” with its other news broadcasts spanning 1 NEWS at Six at weekends, Breakfast news bulletins, 1 NEWS at Midday, Te Karere

and 1 NEWS Tonight. The Weekend Herald reported in June that Petrie and Dallow were having to apply for the same role as sole newsreader of the weekday 6pm bulletin.

TVNZ had earlier said it would reduce between 70 and 90 roles to recover a 30 per cent loss in revenue during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Photo (inset) / File Simon Dallow, whose father Ross (inset, with Simon in 2013) died this week, will stay on as TVNZ’s sole 6pm newsreader after the exit of Wendy Petrie (above left).