Fair Go's final episode to air hours after Sunday's finale

Fair Go host Pippa Wetzell says she is "excited to honour" the legacy of the consumer rights show as it prepares for its final broadcast on Monday night after 47 years.

The show began in April 1977 and is New Zealand's second-longest-running local television show, just behind Country Calendar.

In April, TVNZ announced the show, along with Sunday, One News at Midday and One News Tonight would be axed as part of a restructure aimed at cutting costs. However, the company announced the Fair Go brand will continue within the news and current affairs division, utilising TVNZ's digital platforms for the future, rather than a television broadcast.

On Monday's TVNZ Breakfast show, Wetzell said it was "going to be a really tough day".

"But we're also excited to sort of honour the legacy of this phenomenal programme so it'll be a good day as well," adding the show had done "so many wonderful things over the years".

When asked about the long-term appeal of the show, Wetzell said the fact it stood up for the underdogs was why it was so beloved.

"It's a moment because someone wasn't being listened to. They tried everything they could possibly try. And then to have someone come beside them and say 'we'll go into bat for you', or say 'we'll help you fight for this', and how meaningful that is, it's huge."

In April after the proposal was confirmed, TVNZ chief executive Jodi O'Donnell said it had been an "incredibly difficult" decision.

"I want to acknowledge again the significant value and contribution that these shows have made over many years.

"While these decisions are incredibly difficult, we must bring our costs more in line with our revenue and get our business in shape for a digital-first world."

Fair Go's final TV broadcast comes just 24 hours after long-running investigative journalism show Sunday aired its last ever episode after 22 years.

In the final moments, presenter Miriama Kamo and her wider team appeared on screen to share memories of making the show. 

"We say goodbye to our whare Sunday," Kamo said.  

"The memories are precious. Thanks to all who have told their stories." 

"But as much as we built it, it built us and we are grateful. From this whānau, from the Sunday team, it is time to sign off. For the final time we say thanks for joining us." 

Former Prime Minister Helen Clark took to social media after the show had aired to say the decision was "shameful". 

Fair Go host Pippa Wetzell says she is "excited to honour" the legacy of the consumer rights show as it prepares for its final broadcast on Monday night after 47 years.

The show began in April 1977 and is New Zealand's second-longest-running local television show, just behind Country Calendar.

In April, TVNZ announced the show, along with Sunday, One News at Midday and One News Tonight would be axed as part of a restructure aimed at cutting costs. However, the company announced the Fair Go brand will continue within the news and current affairs division, utilising TVNZ's digital platforms for the future, rather than a television broadcast.

On Monday's TVNZ Breakfast show, Wetzell said it was "going to be a really tough day".

"But we're also excited to sort of honour the legacy of this phenomenal programme so it'll be a good day as well," adding the show had done "so many wonderful things over the years".

When asked about the long-term appeal of the show, Wetzell said the fact it stood up for the underdogs was why it was so beloved.

"It's a moment because someone wasn't being listened to. They tried everything they could possibly try. And then to have someone come beside them and say 'we'll go into bat for you', or say 'we'll help you fight for this', and how meaningful that is, it's huge."

In April after the proposal was confirmed, TVNZ chief executive Jodi O'Donnell said it had been an "incredibly difficult" decision.

"I want to acknowledge again the significant value and contribution that these shows have made over many years.

"While these decisions are incredibly difficult, we must bring our costs more in line with our revenue and get our business in shape for a digital-first world."

Fair Go's final TV broadcast comes just 24 hours after long-running investigative journalism show Sunday aired its last ever episode after 22 years.

In the final moments, presenter Miriama Kamo and her wider team appeared on screen to share memories of making the show. 

"We say goodbye to our whare Sunday," Kamo said.  

"The memories are precious. Thanks to all who have told their stories." 

"But as much as we built it, it built us and we are grateful. From this whānau, from the Sunday team, it is time to sign off. For the final time we say thanks for joining us." 

Former Prime Minister Helen Clark took to social media after the show had aired to say the decision was "shameful". 

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