John Campbell bids emotional farewell to Breakfast co-hosts

TVNZ's John Campbell has bid a tearful farewell to his co-hosts on Breakfast this morning after three years on the news show.

And his colleagues shared some sweet tributes on their last day with Campbell sitting on the Breakfast couch.

"From the moment our Breakfast whānau met you, we knew your time with us would be memorable," co-host Matty McLean reflected.

"You were never one for sitting still or keeping quiet, but we've loved every second of the last three years and we're pretty sure you have too."

"Thank you, JC, for your guidance, kindness and compassion," Clarkson said amid tears.

"It has been an absolute privilege to sit next to you. We will miss you, we won't miss the swearing."

Campbell then turned the spotlight on his colleagues, thanking everyone working on Breakfast from the producers to the hair and makeup teams, before paying tribute to his co-hosts.

"Thank you all, thank you for watching and letting us into your homes each year. Take care and love from us all."

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Campbell is moving into a new role as the network's chief correspondent.

Journalist Kamahl Santamaria will join Breakfast alongside Jenny-May Clarkson, Matty McLean and Indira Stewart.

His new role as chief correspondent will see him working on specials and documentaries, he said.

Santamaria, an Auckland-born journalist, started his career as a sports reporter for Newshub before leaving New Zealand to pursue other ventures, most recently at Al Jazeera.