Key Takeaways
- Veteran political journalist Barry Soper has been appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in the King’s Birthday honours list.
- The honour recognises his four‑decade career, including coverage of major international events, mentorship of younger journalists, and contributions to radio journalism.
- Soper’s book on the tenures of twelve New Zealand Prime Ministers has spent four weeks on the best‑seller list, recently topping the Nielsen non‑fiction chart.
- He balances a demanding role as Newstalk ZB’s senior political correspondent with active parenting of two young children, Iggy (born 2022) and Mackay (born early 2023), alongside his wife Heather du Plessis‑Allan.
- Although initially hesitant about accepting an honour due to concerns of perceived bias, Soper ultimately accepted after learning the nomination came from a bipartisan group of knights and a dame.
- He kept the news private for several months, revealing it only to his wife a couple of weeks before the public announcement, citing journalistic source‑protection instincts.
- Soper plans to celebrate with a bottle of Dom Perignon champagne and expressed gratitude to his family, former spouses, and the many colleagues who have supported him over the years.
- His career highlights include reporting on the Fijian coups of 1987 and 2000, Nelson Mandela’s 1994 inauguration, co‑founding the Southland Club’s annual parliamentary function, and multiple New Zealand Radio Awards, including journalist‑of‑the‑year honours and a 2023 outstanding‑contribution‑to‑radio award.
Background and Recent Success
Barry Soper’s latest book, which chronicles the tenures of twelve New Zealand Prime Ministers, has enjoyed a notable run on the best‑seller lists. After spending four consecutive weeks on the chart, the title resurfaced last week as the top non‑fiction entry on the Nielsen list, underscoring sustained public interest in his political analysis. The work blends meticulous research with Soper’s trademark storytelling, offering readers an insider’s view of decades of governmental leadership. Its continued popularity reflects both the relevance of its subject matter and the trust readers place in Soper’s seasoned perspective as a veteran political journalist.
Family Life and Personal Reflections
Beyond the newsroom, Soper leads a bustling household in Auckland with his wife, Heather du Plessis‑Allan, and their two young children. Iggy arrived in 2022, followed by Mackay early in 2023, keeping the couple actively engaged in childcare duties. Soper often jokes that he is just as likely to be holding a toy as a microphone, highlighting the hands‑on nature of his parenting role. This blend of professional rigor and family devotion paints a picture of a journalist who remains deeply rooted in his personal life while maintaining a high‑profile public career.
The Honour and Its Surprise
The King’s Birthday honours list brought an unexpected accolade for Soper: appointment as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM). He described the news as a surprise, noting that the recognition arrived after a period of reflection and deliberation. The honour acknowledges not only his longevity in the field but also the breadth of his contributions to political journalism, radio broadcasting, and public discourse in New Zealand.
Decision‑Making Process Behind Accepting the ONZM
Soper’s path to accepting the honour was not immediate. Roughly twenty years earlier, he had been sounded out about receiving an award but declined, fearing that acceptance might be perceived as bias given his role as political editor and his hands‑on involvement in Parliament. When the ONZM proposal resurfaced, he undertook another lengthy thought process. A turning point came when he discovered that the nomination had been put forward by two knights and a dame representing diverse points across the political spectrum, which reassured him that the recognition was broadly based rather than partisan.
Source Protection and Journalist Instincts
True to his journalistic training, Soper initially kept the honour confidential, informing only his wife a couple of weeks before the public announcement, despite having known about it for several months. He explained that his instinct to protect sources—and by extension, sensitive information—compelled him to maintain discretion. Heather’s reaction was a mix of surprise and mild frustration, encapsulated in her remark, “You could have told me when you knew!” Yet she ultimately expressed pride in his achievement, underscoring the supportive dynamic within their marriage.
Celebration Plans and Gratitude
To mark the occasion, Soper is eyeing a bottle of Dom Perignon champagne that has been sitting at home for some time. He plans to share the toast with those who have “suffered” him over the years—a tongue‑in‑cheek acknowledgment of the demands his career places on family and friends. His gratitude extends to his wife, former spouses, and his seven children, whom he credits for providing the stability and encouragement necessary to sustain a long and demanding career in journalism.
Career Highlights and International Coverage
The citation accompanying Soper’s ONZM outlines a distinguished career marked by coverage of seminal global events. He reported on the Fijian coups of 1987 and 2000, offering New Zealand audiences insight into regional instability. In 1994, he was present for Nelson Mandela’s inauguration, a moment he later helped bring to New Zealand by influencing the invitation for Mandela to speak at the parliamentary press gallery’s 125th‑anniversary dinner. These experiences underscore his ability to navigate complex international stories while maintaining a clear, accessible narrative for domestic readers.
Legacy in Journalism and Mentorship
Beyond reporting, Soper has left a lasting imprint through mentorship and institutional initiatives. He co‑established the Southland Club, which hosts an annual function in Parliament to promote the Southland province, fostering regional dialogue within the national legislature. His commitment to nurturing talent is evident in his ongoing mentorship of junior political journalists, a role that has earned him multiple Journalist‑of‑the‑Year accolades at the New Zealand Radio Awards. In 2023, his lifetime of work was honoured with the Outstanding Contribution to Radio award, cementing his status as a pillar of New Zealand’s media landscape.
Editorial Context
The piece also notes Shayne Currie, editor‑at‑large and a senior figure at NZME, who has held various leadership roles including managing editor of the NZ Herald and editor of the Herald on Sunday. Currie’s background underscores the collaborative environment in which Soper operates, highlighting the network of experienced journalists and editors shaping contemporary New Zealand media.
In sum, Barry Soper’s recent ONZM honour, bestseller success, and enduring dedication to family and journalism together illustrate a career defined by rigorous reporting, thoughtful mentorship, and a deep commitment to serving the public interest.