Mike McRoberts concluded with the Māori proverb: "He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata."

"What is the most important thing in the world? It is the people, it is the people, it is the people."

A montage of some of the lighter moments, from bloopers to bare bums to on-air mishaps.

"We have loved making the news, thank you so much for watching," Hayes said amid tears.

Images of the Christchurch and Kaikoura earthquakes, Whakaari eruption, and the death of Queen Elizabeth II were shown.

"We've travelled the world to bring you the biggest stories, from conflicts to natural disasters. We've poured cold water on some extraordinary claims, and waded in as our neighbours, the lucky country, weren't so lucky."

"We've loved bringing you the news. Thank you, New Zealand."

They're now looking back at some of the biggest news events 3 News has covered over the years, from 9/11 and the war on terror to the mosque shootings in 2019.

Pictures of the Covid-19 lockdowns, vaccine mandates, the Parliament occupation

"We've been through a lot, NZ, since that first news hour in 1989."

Mike McRoberts is warning viewers they'll need their tissues for the final segment.

Eric Young has walked out with a bouquet of flowers.

“It was quite emotional, but it was gorgeous that everyone came from far and wide,” Young said of the final show.