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Barry Soper

Barry Soper ONZM

Veteran Political Journalist | Author | Newstalk ZB Senior Political Correspondent

Overview

Barry Soper is one of New Zealand's most experienced and recognisable political journalists. For more than four decades he had a front-row seat in Parliament, questioning 12 Prime Ministers, from Sir Robert Muldoon to Christopher Luxon. Known for his sharp questions, dry wit and deep knowledge of how Wellington really works, Barry tells the stories behind the headlines in a way every audience can enjoy.

Barry stepped back from the Press Gallery in 2023. He now lives in Auckland and is Newstalk ZB's Senior Political Correspondent, heard regularly on Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive. In the 2026 King's Birthday Honours, he was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for services to journalism.

Career Highlights

Born and raised in Gore, Barry spent six months at police college before deciding it wasn't for him. He turned to journalism instead, starting at The Southland Times. He then worked at the Mataura Ensign, Otago Daily Times, NZ Truth and Waikato Times, and spent a spell as a speechwriter for the New Zealand Wool Board.

In 1980 he joined the Parliamentary Press Gallery, where he stayed for 43 years and became its longest-serving member. For decades he was Newstalk ZB's Political Editor, and in 2001 he was named Individual Radio Journalist of the Year at the New Zealand Radio Awards. Among the major stories he covered:

  • The Fiji coups of 1987 and 2000, where he secured the first international interview with coup leader George Speight

  • Nelson Mandela's inauguration in 1994

  • Multiple general elections, MMP coalition negotiations and leadership coups

  • Overseas trips with Prime Ministers and senior ministers

Author

Barry's memoir, One Last Question, Prime Minister: From Muldoon to Luxon, Untold Stories from the House of Parliament (HarperCollins, 2026), became a bestseller and topped the Nielsen non-fiction list. It is a candid and often funny look at his working life, told through the 12 Prime Ministers he covered.

Speaking Topics

  • Inside the Beehive: stories from 12 Prime Ministers

  • Politics, power and personalities in New Zealand

  • Election analysis and the political landscape ahead

  • Geopolitics and international relations