Newshub journalist and presenter Paddy Gower says "we're losing something amazing" as the closure of Newshub was today confirmed.
Up to 300 roles are being impacted by Warner Bros Discovery's decision to axe the news service, which has been in existence since 1989.
It has cited commercial pressures linked to a slump in advertising as being behind the drastic decision.
Speaking outside an all-hands meeting in Auckland today, Gower said he felt for all those affected.
"250 amazing people have lost their jobs, they are all coming out now. They are good friends of mine but they are also good friends of all Kiwis. Everybody who has worked for TV3 since 1989 in news are friends of all Kiwis. We're losing something amazing today."
6pm newsreader Samantha Hayes said they would be "wrapping our arms around all our colleagues and celebrate what we have done and enjoy the last bulletins".
"We all loved doing the news and all the Newshub staff would love to keep doing that."
Colleague Mike McRoberts said he was sad, not just for the staff, but for their loyal audience who had remained with the network over the years.
Rumours have swirled about another media company helping keep the Newshub operation alive to some degree.
Gower said those who were in discussions must push for a solution.
Senior reporter Michael Morrah said he felt proposals from staff about how to keep things going were listened to, and the relationship with management was "relatively constructive".
A slimmed down 6pm bulletin and continuation of the website had been proposed.
"We worked extremely hard on the proposal, and tried to get as much information and make suitable cutbacks that we thought might peak their interest. And we're absolutely gutted that they've ultimately decided against adopting our proposal."
He said it was a huge blow for society and democracy.
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