Jim Hickey hangs up his umbrella 24 Oct 2014
Veteran weathercaster Jim Hickey has announced his retirement today, saying is was a tough decision.
"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.
Hickey was TVNZ's senior weathercaster from 1988 until 2003.
He continued regular appearances on Good Morning and then rejoined the One news weather team in 2007.
He said support from fellow Kiwis had been outstanding. "I've made friends, business colleagues and supporters from Oban to the Cape Lighthouse."
He will use his new found freedom to visit family in Australia and around New Zealand and devote time to the cafe chain he owns with wife Sue.
TVNZ head of news and current affairs John Gillespie said Hickey had set the standard for weathercasting in New Zealand.
"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."
Hickey was the best weather presenter New Zealand had and there might never be another one like him, University of Canterbury lecturer in broadcast journalism Jo Malcolm said.
"I'm really sad. He's just an amazingly down to earth normal person. Weather presenting is incredibly difficult and he's so incredibly knowledgeable, he's one of the most trusted presenters around."
Malcolm said Hickey made science more accessible and engaging - something she had seen MetService trying to do in recent times too. She would not speculate on whether Dan Corbett was hired by TVNZ to replace Hickey.
"I don't know when he (Hickey) made the decision. It's fantastic for him but he will be missed."
Hickey trained as a secondary school teacher, has also been an actor and has hosted various shows like Country Calender.
Last month it was announced that Daniel Corbett, the former public face of MetService, would join the One News weather team.
Hickey will remain on air until Christmas.
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