"Like all new parents, Heather and I are juggling the joys and challenges of parenthood while also supporting each other's careers. With Iggy as our number one priority, I am really looking forward to being a full-time dad for the next couple of months before returning to the press gallery until we make the permanent move to Auckland next year.
"Despite feeling a sense of sadness about leaving the press gallery next year, I'm looking forward to the new opportunity as senior political correspondent - providing political insights, investigations and commentary," he says.
Jason Winstanley, NZME chief radio officer, says the network is pleased to be supporting the couple during this time and he's excited about their future plans with NZME.
"Heather is a hugely talented broadcaster and we know her listeners will be so happy to hear she will be making a return to her esteemed drive-time show in a few weeks' time. Barry, judged the best news or sports journalist at the last NZ Radio Awards, is an absolute legend of radio and broadcasting in New Zealand – we are lucky to have him as part of the Newstalk ZB family and we're thrilled he'll be continuing in this new role with us," he says.
Michael Boggs, NZME chief executive, says Soper is a loyal, committed, respected stalwart of New Zealand broadcasting and to be able to have him in Auckland, while du Plessis-Allan will continue to grow her audience in her ever-popular Heather du Plessis Allan Drive show, is a fantastic outcome.
"Barry is New Zealand's longest-serving and most talented political journalist, with more than 40 years of experience in the Parliamentary Press Gallery, including just on 30 years at the helm of Newstalk ZB's office as political editor. We know he will bring so much into this new role, as well as acting as a mentor for others," he says.
