The final Newshub 6pm bulletin on Friday signals the end of three decades of news.
After 34 years of bringing the news to the nation, owner Warner Brothers Discovery announced in April it would axe news gathering and shows, at the cost of almost 300 jobs.
Instead, it had done a deal with Stuff to provide a one-hour bulletin each weekday and a 30-minute bulletin on weekends.
Newshub journalists, camera operators and producers had been working right to the very end, wrapping up stories for the final bulletin.
Presenting the final bulletin on Friday, Newsreader Sam Hayes maintained that emotions would hold off until after the news.
"Like I said, no tears until seven o'clock - and there's a bit more to do!" she said.
And at the end of the bulletin, those emotions came.
"There's a huge team of people that work behind the scenes to make this happen, thank you." Hayes said, arms around her fellow Newshub presenters.
"Saying goodbye - it's hard isn't it? But I know we are going to stay friends for long after today."
Mike McRoberts finished the bulletin with a whakataukī.
"What is the most important thing in the world? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata. It is people, it is people, it is people."
"Thank you for being our people. We've absolutely loved being yours."
The last AM show aired on Friday morning, with presenters Melissa Chan-Green and Lloyd Burr making emotional farewells, telling viewers "we are still in this together".
Newsrooms in Wellington and Christchurch have already shut up for good, with staff - including Australia, US and UK correspondents - all gathering at the Auckland HQ on Flower Street.
The Auckland Newshub offices were a hive of activity on Friday afternoon, with staff coming in and out, carrying camera equipment and farewell flowers.
Some employees told RNZ the emotions of ending the show had been a 'rollercoaster'.
Shortly before 5pm, all staff gathered outside the studio for a photo. The crowd erupted in applause and cheering, with Paddy Gower proclaiming: "and one more thing - that was f***ing Newshub!".
Newshub political editor Jenna Lynch told RNZ the Newshub "family" was looking after each other.
"Everyone is doing the Newshub thing and just wrapping around each other, and caring for each other, which is really special," she said.
"The family vibe that has been in there since I've been here is still there and will continue.
"Today we really just want to reflect on what this place has meant to both us and all of the people who have told their stories to Newshub, all of the people that have created change through Newshub, and particularly for the political team, that's what we've always carried deep in our hearts," she said.
"Just thinking of all of the people who have come forward in their most vulnerable moments, to fight for change for others, it's been a real honour to tell those stories."
Working for Newshub had been an honour and the greatest job she had done, she added.
Michael Morrah told Midday Report the day was full of mixed emotions, but those at Newshub took their jobs seriously right to the final bell.
He said it had been a privilege to work with a network that had worked to advocate for those without a voice and challenge power.
"I think we'll go out with our heads held high, knowing that for decades, we've helped inform, educate and investigate on behalf of New Zealanders."
Photo: RNZ
