Radio New Zealand has appointed TVNZ journalist Simon Mercep as the new co-presenter of its breakfast radio programme, Morning Report.
He will be the long-term replacement for Sean Plunket, who left the show in September after about 14 years in the job to present TV3's weekend political show as well as writing columns for print media.
Mercep is well known to television viewers following his eight years as an investigative journalist on the popular consumer affairs show Fair Go, and the past three years with current affairs programme Sunday.
Mercep, with 30 years' journalism experience, began his career with Radio NZ in 1983, and has worked in radio and television for four different public service broadcasters in New Zealand, Australia, Canada and Britain.
Radio New Zealand's head of news, Don Rood, said Mercep had an impeccable track record as a journalist and would "contribute significantly to Morning Report's long and proud tradition of setting the news agenda and holding people to account".
"I am confident that Simon will continue that tradition by using his expertise and professionalism to keep the New Zealand public very well informed. He will ask the hard questions."
Mercep will take up his new role in January, working alongside long-time Morning Report host Geoff Robinson.
Mercep's appointment was leaked earlier today when 3 News reporter Laura Frykberg tweeted that Mercep had the job and he was being congratulated in the TVNZ newsroom.
More than 80 people from New Zealand and abroad had applied for the position.
NZPA