New Zealand presenter retires after 35+ years

Radio New Zealand's Morning Report presenter Geoff Robinson has announced his retirement after working on the show for more than 35 years.

Robinson first joined the Morning Report team when it was introduced in 1975.

"I've been getting up and doing the breakfast session on radio for the last 37 years and I think enough is enough. It's time for me to have a sleep-in. So the other day I went down to the boss and I handed in my notice of intention to retire as at the first of April 2014.

"I chose that date because it will be the Report programme's 39th birthday. We started on 1 April 1975, and apart from a couple of years reading the commercial news I've been with the Report programme all the way through."

During his career Robinson has worked alongside 30 co-presenters.

Radio New Zealand chief executive Paul Thompson paid tribute to Robinson, describing him as a broadcaster of the highest calibre.

"Geoff has been both witness and interrogator during a period of significant change in New Zealand and the world, and has calmly and intelligently helped New Zealanders understand these complex stories and issues."

Hear Geoff's announcement here.