Tony Veitch has announced he will leave NZME's Newstalk ZB radio station with plans to "build his show from his own digital platform".
Radio Sport's Tony Veitch promoting All Blacks Hospitality. Photo: screenshot
Newstalk ZB said it was looking to "broaden our lifestyle content over the weekends to give listeners all they need in one place to stay with us through the afternoon - from DIY tips, gardening, cooking, comment and analysis of the week's news and sport."
Mr Veitch said his final show would be on Saturday afternoon.
He told Newstalk ZB it was "time for a change", having hosted Veitch on Sport between midday and 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays since early 2012.
He said he planned to build his show from his own digital platform.
Last month, he was the centre of some controversy after he announced on Facebook he had "decided to get back on TV" as part of a "hard-hitting, opinion-led show that does not shy away from controversy".
It was a poor choice of words, and widespread criticism led Sky Television to announce within a day that it was reconsidering the pilot.
In 2009, Mr Veitch pleaded guilty to injuring his former partner Kristin Dunne-Powell with reckless disregard.
The charge related to an incident in January 2006 in which he kicked Ms Dunne-Powell after an argument while she was lying on the ground, fracturing her spine. He was sentenced to supervision, community service and fined $10,000.
He was suspended then resigned from his position as TVNZ sports news presenter and radio host at the time.
In a Facebook post, he thanked his fans.
"I want to thank everyone one of you on this page ... the content, the stories, the debate has been so awesome ... the good news ... I now get time to grow this page into what I've always wanted.
"You will be seeing new content, new videos shows, new features. I really can't wait to share with you my new adventures and cover sport with the passion and vigour, you guys deserve."
RNZ has asked NZME for comment.
