When Paul Henry returns to breakfast TV he will be joined by two women.
Hilary Barry and Perlina Lau have been announced as the news anchor and social media presenter respectively, in a four-strong presenting line up, on the multi-platform breakfast show.
The programme has a working title simply as Paul Henry.
Barry will continue to present the 3 News bulletin with Mike McRoberts, which broadcasts at 6pm weeknights on TV3 and RadioLIVE.
MediaWorks Group Head of News, Mark Jennings, said Barry's personality and wry sense of humour makes her the perfect foil for Henry.
"Hilary is one of the most talented broadcasters in the country and it is time to see and hear more of her. She is a world-class newsreader; but she is also an astute observer of life and what makes New Zealand tick. Hilary's personality and wry sense of humour makes her the perfect foil for Paul."
"While Hilary is a very familiar face, Perlina Lau will be new to many people. Perlina has worked behind the scenes at 3 News but she is very talented in front of the camera too. Her understanding of social media will bring a new dimension to the morning programme and I think our viewers and listeners will really enjoy being able to interact with her. She will be their voice!," said Jennings.
Lau had been part of the 3 News team as a director's assistant for the past two years, MediaWorks said.
She was a producer, co-creator and one of the stars of web series Flat3. She directed the social media engagement with the web series on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Henry gave Barry her first job out of journalism school.
She was hired in 1992 as sole charge journalist and local news reader for his Wairarapa radio station, Today FM. Since that time, Barry and Henry have become two of the most popular and accomplished radio and television journalists in the country.
She won Best News Presenter in TV Guide's Best on The Box awards in 2012, 2013 and 2014, and is nominated for 2015.
MediaWorks would not name the fourth presenter of the programme.
Acting publicity manager Amy Prebble told Fairfax Media, the programme's premiere could be in late-March or early-April. The New Zealand Herald reported the programme is rumoured to be kicking off in May once the show's custom-built studio is finished.
Paul Henry will broadcast weekdays 6am-9am on RadioLIVE, TV3 and online.
The premiere date will be announced in due course, MediaWorks said, but in the meantime Mark Sainsbury will continue to present breakfast on RadioLIVE and Sacha McNeil and Michael Wilson will front Firstline on TV3.
NO WORD ON JANIKA
MediaWorks told The National Business Review there is still no word on what will happen to Paul Henry Show co-host Janika ter Allen.
"She is clearly a talented presenter and journalist, and did a terrific job on The Paul Henry Show last year," said MediaWorks spokeswoman Rachel Lorimer.
ter Ellen is currently presenting TV3's late-night news, Nightline, until their new late-night news and entertainment show, fronted by Samantha Hayes and David Farrier, commences.
Source: Press Release - MediaWorks, Stuff.co.nz, The New Zealand Herald and The National Business Review.
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