Jenny-May Clarkson will lead TVNZ’s coverage of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, beginning March 7th, marking a return to broadcasting for the former Breakfast host after departing the morning present last year.
Clarkson’s appointment, announced by TVNZ, comes after a period of reflection following her exit from Breakfast, where she hosted alongside Chris Chang and Daniel Faitaua. She revealed in a recent interview that she initially experienced self-doubt after leaving the role, questioning her future income and seeking opportunities that didn’t materialize. However, she now feels empowered by taking control of her career path.
“I walked out of the building, and I was happy. I don’t miss any of that at all. I miss the team, but that’s it really,” Clarkson said. “I had a excellent run. I don’t wish I were back there at all, but I’m grateful for the experience.”
The Paralympics role represents a return to Clarkson’s broadcasting roots, having begun her career with TVNZ as a netball commentator in 2005. She described the opportunity as “coming back and returning to my roots,” and expressed her enthusiasm for championing para athletes, whom she called “legends of sport.”
Clarkson, a former Silver Ferns vice-captain and assistant coach for the Mystics, emphasized the importance of recognizing Paralympians as athletes deserving of respect. She highlighted the dedication, grit, and inspiring stories of athletes like para alpine ski racer Corey Peters, defending gold medalist from Beijing 2022, and alpine skier Adam Hall, attending his sixth Paralympics.
“These are once-in-a-lifetime athletes, and we should be incredibly proud of them, no matter what happens,” Clarkson stated.
Beyond her broadcasting commitments, Clarkson is likewise developing a new business focused on confidence courses, drawing on her own experiences with sexism, racism, and negative social media commentary during her time on screen. She acknowledged facing moments of self-doubt but emphasized the importance of self-acceptance and focusing energy on positive self-perception.
“Where your focus goes, your energy goes. So why would I want to put my energy into comments, into those people and the words that they’re writing about me? The reality for me is that it speaks more about them than it does about me,” Clarkson explained. “I am who I am. I’m proud of who I have become and who I am becoming.”
Clarkson’s last day at Breakfast was marked by a visit from her family, including her mother and twin sons, Atawhai and Te Manahau, one of whom held a picture of her late father. She expressed a desire to prioritize spending time with her 9-year-old sons, a balance she found challenging while hosting the morning show.
“I want to send my boys off into the world feeling loved, and I can do that for them now,” she said. “I tell them how amazing they are, and tell them to have the best day. That seriously means everything.”
The Paralympics coverage will be broadcast across TVNZ+ and TVNZ Duke.
