Barry Soper

Barry Soper
Born	1952 Gore, New Zealand
Occupation	Political journalist
Years active	1970s–present
Known for	Political editor at Newstalk ZB and Prime Television

Barry Soper (born 1952) is a seasoned political journalist from New Zealand who has been a consistent presence on both radio and television since the 1970s.

Early life

Originating from Gore, New Zealand, Soper attended the Royal New Zealand Police College at Trentham for a six-month period in 1969 following his secondary education, before choosing to leave. Subsequently, he returned to his hometown and commenced employment with The Southland Times.

Career

Following his tenure at The Southland Times, Soper contributed to various media organizations such as the Mataura Ensign, Otago Daily Times, New Zealand Truth, and the Waikato Times. Additionally, he took on the role of speechwriter for the New Zealand Wool Board. In 1980, he became a member of the Parliamentary Press Gallery with APN, later transitioning to Newstalk ZB where he remains employed.

Soper reported on the coups d'état in Fiji during 1987 and 2000, notably obtaining the first international interview with George Speight. He turned down an invitation to run as a Labour Party candidate in the 1992 Wellington Central by-election. In 1994, he covered the inauguration of Nelson Mandela. His work earned him the Individual Radio Journalist of the Year award at the 2001 Radio Awards.

During Foreign Minister Winston Peters' visit to Washington in July 2006, Peters singled out Soper among journalists posing questions; Soper remarked that Peters’ behavior was atypical for a politician overseas.

He has also appeared as a panelist on TV One's Good Morning. Presently, Soper holds the position of political editor at Newstalk ZB and features as political editor on Prime Television's evening broadcasts through a partnership arrangement.

Personal life

In 2009, Soper married fellow journalist Heather du Plessis-Allan. Du Plessis-Allan announced her pregnancy in October 2021, with their son being born on 26 February 2022.

Soper is father to five children from two earlier marriages. His daughter Alice Soper is known as a rugby athlete, television commentator, and host of a children's program. In July 2017, his son Henry suffered a stabbing incident during an altercation in Courtenay Place, Wellington. A few months afterward, his younger son Hugh sustained serious injuries after falling down a steep bank near Karori. In 2021, Hugh was found guilty of assault related to an incident in 2019 involving two Wellington bar owners.

In 2010, Soper faced penalties including a fine and a six-month driving disqualification due to drink-driving.

See also

• List of New Zealand television personalities