'It's been my life' - Neil Collins retires

Broadcaster Neil Collins signs off from Radio Dunedin yesterday, for the last time. Photo by...
Broadcaster Neil Collins signs off from Radio Dunedin yesterday, for the last time. Photo by Peter McIntosh.

Neil Collins was professional to the end.

Typically well-coiffured and dressed in a neat pink shirt and dark trousers, the veteran broadcaster signed off yesterday for the last time on a career of 57 years, with no sign of emotion.

Mr Collins even ran the gauntlet of clapping workmates and television cameras outside the studio at Radio Dunedin, the station he has worked at since 1990, with no sign of sadness or regret.

But his words moments after that broadcast, when asked how he felt about switching off the on-air sign after almost six decades, belied that demeanour.

''It's very, very difficult.

''It's like being told, perhaps, you have a terminal illness in some ways.

''I do love it, and it's been my life.''

But Mr Collins (74), who has a Queen's Service Medal and is an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to broadcasting, local body affairs and the community, said the time to retire had come.

''It does not last forever.

''I didn't want anyone feeling sorry for me, saying 'he's lost it'.

''I thought `if no-one's going to tell me, I'll have to tell myself'.''

Mr Collins also noted the changes happening in broadcasting, where ''people are being made redundant all over the place''.

''I thought 'no, I'll go out on my terms with my own dignity, and look back on a career that was successful'.''

Mr Collins began his career as a 17-year-old volunteer at 4XD in 1958. He was involved in 16 radiothons, eight telethons and two Miss New Zealand shows, and presented television weather and news.

He has interviewed everyone from The Beatles and The Rolling Stones to Sir Edmund Hillary.

He was elected to the Dunedin City Council in 1989, and served as a councillor for 23 years.

Mr Collins' last day at the microphone included a conversation with Prime Minister John Key, and a list of friends and colleagues.

Mr Collins said it had been a privilege to work for so long in broadcasting.

''If there was a highlight it has to be meeting people I thought in my life I would never, ever have the chance to meet.

''In that category I would have to put people like Louis Armstrong - just being with him and spending a day or two.

''Johnny Cash - I've always liked Johnny Cash and he came in, and I drove him to the airport in my car.

''People like that - and yes, I was a decoy for The Beatles when they came to town - those sort of instances, when you look back in your life, you think 'gosh, I was very fortunate'.''

Mr Collins said he intended to write a book of anecdotes about people he had ''met along the way''.

His immediate plans, however, were to ''have a break and, for once, relax''.

david.loughrey@odt.co.nz

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