After 33 years, Leighton Smith has signed off his morning show for the final time.

The veteran broadcaster wrapped up his final show on Newstalk ZB just before midday.

In a moving message, he paid tribute to his listeners, his texters, his callers, and, most importantly, his producer and wife Carolyn for all their years working together.

He says he is leaving because he chose to.

"Two days ago, I started to question my own wisdom, and I've still got a question mark over it. But with the podcast and the Herald, I still have an outlet, life will go on. It will not end."

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