Jim Hickey to Retire

Jim Hickey to Retire

24 October 2014

TVNZ Senior Weathercaster Jim Hickey has announced his plans to retire from broadcasting at the end of this year.

“It’s been a tough decision," Jim says. "I feel like I’m subbing off at half time! I love my job, especially the interface with people up and down the country. It’s been tempting to carry on, but I’ve hit retirement age and have decided to call it a day.

"It’s been a great story. Support from fellow Kiwis has been outstanding. I’ve made friends, business colleagues and supporters from Oban to the Cape Lighthouse. I thank them all, and hope to see lots more of them.

"TVNZ’s been tremendous. Countless opportunities, new projects, my own programmes and live broadcasts have been part of the tapestry of my time with them. It’s a great company.

"And now? Time to visit my two daughters and two grandchildren in Australia, son Jamie in Tauranga and daughter Sally who’s about to move to Wellington. My wife Sue and I co-own half a dozen busy cafes from Queenstown International to Wellington, New Plymouth and Hamilton. My forecasting background will now help with budgetary projections. Flat whites gratis, and a Gold Card. Not a bad way to travel!”

TVNZ’s Head of News and Current Affairs John Gillespie says, “Jim has made many friends within and outside of TVNZ and I believe he has absolutely set the standard for weathercasting in New Zealand, for so many years. He will be missed by us and, of course, our viewers. I know this decision has been a tough one for him, and I know he feels hugely supported by so many friends and colleagues here and by many people around the country. Jim certainly leads a hectic and a very full life and he has decided to spend more time with family, looking after his café business, and no doubt a bit of flying too.”

Jim has had an extremely varied career over the years. He’s been a high school teacher, has owned various businesses including his current chain of Airspresso cafés, and in 1995 set up Rustic Road Productions - making programmes for TVNZ including Jim’s Car Show, A Flying Visit, and documentaries like How’s the Weather Jim? He has also fronted Country Calendar and several other lifestyle programmes from the TVNZ stable.

He has been TVNZ’s Senior Weathercaster from 1988 until 2003, when he took a break for a few years before returning to our screens in 2007. Since 1994 he has worked alongside Senior Weathercaster Karen Olsen, a role she will now share with Daniel Corbett.

Olsen says, “I’ve been friends with Jim since we first started working together 20 years ago. He really is iconic, no one does the job quite like him. I’ll miss him, it’s been an absolute pleasure working together. I wish Jim all the best for his retirement – though I doubt he’ll be sitting still anytime soon!”

Hickey will be on air tomorrow night (Saturday 25 October), and will continue presenting the weather on ONE News until Christmas.

ENDS

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