KIIS FM’s PJ Harding heads home to NZ for the rest of 2020

Former Assistant Editor

PJ Harding is heading home to New Zealand, with the KIIS 101.1 Breakfast host flying out from Melbourne today (September 17).

The Jase & PJ show will continue, however, with Harding to broadcast remotely from her homeland for the remainder of 2020.

A spokesperson for ARN confirmed to Radio Today that Harding plans to return to Melbourne at the start of 2021, and that the Jase & PJ show will continue on air as usual for the rest of the year.

Harding shared her experience at the International Airport in Melbourne, which was almost deserted, before she heads for quarantine in NZ.

On her last day in the studio, co-host Jase Hawkins took Harding and listeners down memory lane to help her remember the best things about Melbourne.

It started off as a nice gesture with a paddling pool to remind her of the Mornington Peninsula springs, but as is the way with Jase & PJ, soon took a turn, when producers began pouring wine into the pool.

“I love wine but I don’t know if I like my body doused in it,” she laughed.

“I feel like I’m in the middle of the Yarra Valley.”

https://www.facebook.com/jaseandpj/posts/2715539062060481

Jase & PJ inked a new deal with ARN at the start of the year to remain on KIIS 101.1 Breakfast for another two years, having arrived at the station in 2018.

“Jase & PJ have a genuine friendship and on-air chemistry that makes for great radio,” ARN’s national content director, Duncan Campbell, said at the time of them joining the network.

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Wayne
17 Sep 2020 - 12:34 pm

Now we have announcers broadcasting from New Zealand. You’ve got to be kidding. Looks like ARN looking for new co host next year, that is a shame sorry to hear. I mean I dont blame her for not liking Melbourne but seriously.

Niko
17 Sep 2020 - 12:53 pm

It could be Italy, Wayne. At least NZ is closer 😀

AB
17 Sep 2020 - 3:50 pm

Can people try some sympathy? If you’re familiar with PJ’s situation, she’s been cut off from her partner and family this whole year. This is absolutely special circumstances. Have some compassion

Calm Down Wayne
17 Sep 2020 - 3:59 pm

Wayne no different to Kyle being in LA half the year… if it doesn’t impact the show, what local will she be missing out on? Nothing happening Melbourne. If they’ve signed a 2 year deal I doubt they’ll “Be looking for a new co host”. Settle down.

Simon
17 Sep 2020 - 4:05 pm

Has anyone told Wayne we are in a global pandemic? Don’t think she’s seen her family for 9 or so months. She deserves this trip, good to see ARN care about their employees mental health.

Cole
17 Sep 2020 - 4:17 pm

Why would it be Italy Niko? She’s from New Zealand.

Matt
17 Sep 2020 - 4:23 pm

Whilst I’m against core announcers doing a show remotely for a prolonged time, I think PJ can be a fair exception. She moved to Australia for the show and has been in Melbourne doing the show almost the entire time. We all know about her long distance relationship. Letting her return to her home country during Melbourne’s 2nd wave of Covid is a good gesture from her team/employer. Plus as already mentioned, its not like its a holiday in USA or moving to Italy. She’ll be back to.

Niko
17 Sep 2020 - 5:42 pm

Please note the Niko who commented on this story at 12.53pm is not this Niko… but I agree with his comment.
At least it’s not Italy!

All the best PJ! ❤

Niko
17 Sep 2020 - 6:31 pm

(Original Niko here.)

Cole, I was referring to Kate Langbroek. 😀

Fiona Staley
18 Sep 2020 - 7:14 am

Did she have to get an exemption to leave Australia, on what grounds was it granted?

Frank
18 Sep 2020 - 11:05 am

She doesn’t need one as she’s a foreign citizen returning to her home country. As she still has her job with ARN, she’ll most likely be able to re-enter the country still classed as a “NZ citizen normally resident in Australia”

Marshy
18 Sep 2020 - 1:28 pm

Interstater here – isn’t Melbourne still in lockdown?
How are they and their producers all allowed to be in the studio together?
I’m confused

Pete
20 Sep 2020 - 11:18 am

The show hasn’t cut it, it’s a 5 share show like the former KIIS Melbourne shows. Will probably be scrapped or moved to 96 Perth or 97 Brisbane. Or back to NZ.

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