Judy Bailey

The size of the salary was criticised by the government, despite it being fully funded from TVNZ's own commercial revenues and not involving taxpayer money.

On 3 October 2005, Television New Zealand announced it was not renewing her contract despite her immense popularity, as it planned a rejuvenation of its news programmes to combat slipping market share.

In July 2009 she gave her support as a public face to the "Vote Yes" campaign for the corporal punishment referendum.

[3] She also appeared on the Intrepid Journeys television programme, travelling through Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina.

[4] In the 2010 New Year Honours, Bailey was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to broadcasting and the community.