Holmes decides to ‘kick back a bit’
VETERAN broadcaster Paul Holmes has effectively announced his retirement from regular broadcasting as he battles a heart condition.
After 25 years as a mainstay presenter for radio station Newstalk ZB, he and the station jointly announced yesterday he was reducing his hours and stepping back as a fulltime programme host.
It had been a difficult decision, he said.
‘‘I love what I do but there’s much more to life than working.’’
He has battled heart problems all year. He suffers from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy –a genetic heart condition which thickens the muscles and restricts bloodflow.
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He underwent four hours of openheart surgery earlier this year in Auckland Hospital, including nearly a week in an induced coma as he recovered. He was back in hospital last month after he contracted an infection. ‘‘When you have a few health scares it makes you think and it provides an opportunity for perspective. I’m constantly tuned into the news to see what I could include in my show. It will be nice to let someone else have that mes said.
He and wife Deborah intended to enjoy a calmer life, he said. ‘‘As Deborah regularly points out to me. We love our Hawke’s Bay home and property and I’m looking forward to enjoying the farm some more and kicking back a bit.’’
He will not sever his ties with the station entirely – continuing as a contributor. The new arrangement formally starts in January.
Holmes was the radio station’s pioneer breakfast host when it controversially launched its talkback radio format in 1987.
He also headlined TVNZ’s flagship Holmes programme until 2004.
pressure,’’ Hol-