Ever wondered how a 12-year-old immigrant becomes one of New Zealand’s most trusted voices? At 40, Heather du Plessis-Allan isn’t just another broadcaster—she’s proof that your biggest challenges can become your greatest strengths.
Just like you, I was curious about the woman behind that confident radio voice. Let’s dive into the real story behind the headlines.
Who Is Heather du Plessis-Allan Really? The Basics You Need to Know
Look, when I first heard Heather du Plessis-Allan on Newstalk ZB, I thought “this woman doesn’t pull punches.” And honestly? That’s exactly what makes her special.
Born in 1984 in South Africa, she’s currently 40 years old and absolutely crushing it as the host of the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive show.
Her journey from South African-New Zealander to becoming one of the country’s most influential media personalities is honestly inspiring.
Heather du Plessis-Allan Wikipedia
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Heather du Plessis-Allan |
| Age | 40 years old (2025) |
| Date of Birth | 1984 |
| Place of Birth | South Africa |
| Nationality | South African-New Zealander |
| Education | Politics degree, Auckland University |
| Occupation | Journalist, Radio Host, TV Presenter |
| Current Role | Host of Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive (Newstalk ZB) |
| Husband | Barry Soper (married 2009) |
| Children | Two children – Iggy (born 2022), daughter (born 2025) |
But here’s the thing—these basic facts barely scratch the surface of what makes her tick.
The Immigration Story That Shaped Everything
I’ve got to tell you, immigration at 12 is no joke. When Heather du Plessis-Allan’s family made that life-changing move from South Africa to New Zealand, settling in Pukekohe, it wasn’t exactly a fairy tale transition.
Trust me, I’ve had those same doubts about fitting in somewhere new. Her parents had separated when she was just five, and her mother’s second marriage brought additional challenges.
Moving from a strict, semi-private school in South Africa to Tuakau College (a Decile 2 school) in New Zealand—that’s culture shock on steroids.
But here’s what I find fascinating: while her classmates were doing after-school activities, young Heather was already hustling—delivering newspapers and working at McDonald’s. That work ethic? It’s the foundation of everything she’s accomplished since.
What really shapes her journalism today is that immigrant perspective. She sees New Zealand politics and society with fresh eyes, asking questions that locals might take for granted. It’s like having a built-in BS detector.
Love, Marriage, and That Famous Age Gap
Okay, let’s talk about the elephant in the room—the 32-year age gap between Heather du Plessis-Allan and Barry Soper.
Yeah, Barry is 72 while Heather is 40, and people love to search “Barry Soper Heather du Plessis Allan age” because, honestly, it’s pretty unusual.
But here’s what I love about their story: they got married in 2009 at Parliament’s Grand Hall in Wellington, and just as they were about to say “I do,” a 4.8 magnitude earthquake hit.
I mean, if that’s not a sign that their relationship can weather anything, I don’t know what is!
Barry Soper: The 72-Year-Old Media Legend
Barry Soper isn’t just some random guy—he’s a veteran New Zealand political journalist who’s been a prominent figure in Kiwi media for decades. Their shared passion for journalism and media is what really makes their marriage work.
Here’s what makes their partnership special:
- Both are seasoned political journalists
- They understand the demands of media careers
- Mutual respect for each other’s expertise
- Shared commitment to quality journalism
The age difference might grab headlines, but their professional chemistry and personal connection are what matter.
Baby News and Motherhood: The 2025 Update
Now, here’s where things get really exciting for 2025. The topic of “Heather du Plessis Allan baby” has been trending, and there’s fantastic news to share!
Heather is now a mother of two, and honestly, watching her balance motherhood and journalism is pretty inspiring.
Her approach to work-life balance is refreshingly honest—no pretending it’s easy, just real talk about the challenges.
Meet the Kids: Iggy and Baby Sister
Their first child, affectionately known as Iggy (full name: Finbar Ignatius Pieter du Plessis-Soper), was born on 26 February 2022, weighing a healthy 3.58kg at 8:15 am. Now he’s a bright 2-year-old who’s brought incredible joy to their lives.
But wait, there’s more! In early 2025, Barry Soper and Heather welcomed their second child—a daughter.
While they haven’t announced her name yet (given Heather’s tendency to share personal moments with her audience, I’m sure we’ll hear it soon), this makes Heather officially a mother of two.
What’s really impressive is how she’s managed her demanding broadcasting career while raising two young children. She’s also a stepmother to Barry’s five adult children, making her part of a large, blended family.
Career Journey: From McDonald’s to Media Royalty
Honestly, if you’re still reading, you’re probably wondering what makes her different from other radio hosts. Her career journey is absolutely fascinating, and it started way before the fancy studios.
Remember that McDonald’s job I mentioned? That work ethic from her teenage years never left. After studying politics at Auckland University, she was ready to conquer the media world.
Her career progression tells a story of strategic moves and calculated risks:
- TV3 – Early career experience
- Radio Live – Developing her radio skills
- TVNZ – Nearly a decade, including hosting roles
- Seven Sharp – Two years as co-host
- Back to TV3 – Brief return in 2015
- Newstalk ZB – Current role hosting the Drive show
The Newstalk ZB Drive Show Success
The Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive show has become one of New Zealand’s most popular radio programs.
Broadcasting weekday afternoons, she brings her unique blend of South African directness and New Zealand practicality to current affairs discussions.
What sets her apart is her ability to tackle complex topics while maintaining an accessible, conversational tone.
During the COVID-19 lockdowns, when most people were working from home, Heather continued broadcasting from the studio, keeping New Zealanders informed during challenging times.
What Makes Heather Different: The South African Edge
Here’s what most people get wrong about her interviewing style—it’s not just about being tough. Her South African background gives her a unique perspective that New Zealand journalism desperately needed.
That immigrant perspective means she’s not afraid to ask the questions that locals might consider too obvious or too confrontational. She brings:
- International viewpoint on local issues
- Fearless questioning of politicians and public figures
- Relatability despite her success
- Authentic voice that resonates with ordinary New Zealanders
Her bilingual abilities (speaking both English and Afrikaans) connect her to her South
African heritage while being fully integrated into New Zealand society. This cultural bridge-building is exactly what modern media needs.
As a female broadcaster in a traditionally male-dominated field, she’s paved the way for other female journalists.
Her success demonstrates that with talent, determination, and authenticity, you can build a lasting career in media.
Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About Heather du Plessis-Allan
Here’s the stuff that’ll blow your mind about Heather du Plessis-Allan that you won’t find in any basic Wikipedia search:
- Her wedding earthquake story gets better—the 4.8 magnitude tremor hit literally as they were exchanging vows at Parliament’s Grand Hall, making it possibly New Zealand’s most memorable media wedding
- Iggy’s full name Finbar Ignatius Pieter du Plessis-Soper reflects both parents’ heritage, with Pieter honoring her South African roots
- She’s actually bilingual, speaking fluent Afrikaans alongside English, which occasionally slips out during passionate radio moments
- Before becoming a media personality, she delivered newspapers as a kid—talk about starting in journalism from the ground up
- Her stepmother role to Barry Soper’s five adult children makes family dinners quite the logistical challenge for this busy broadcaster
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Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Heather du Plessis-Allan exactly?
She’s 40 years old, born in 1984 in South Africa.
When did she have her second baby?
Her daughter was born in January 2025, making her a mom of two.
Is the age gap with Barry Soper really 32 years?
Yes, Barry is 72 and Heather is 40, but their shared media passion makes it work.
What time is her radio show on?
The Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive show airs weekday afternoons on Newstalk ZB.
How does she balance work and two young kids?
She’s openly discussed the challenges, proving working mothers can have demanding careers.
What makes her interviewing style unique?
Her South African directness combined with Kiwi warmth creates compelling conversations.
Final Words
At 40, with two young children and a thriving career, Heather du Plessis-Allan proves that reinvention never stops.
Her journey from immigrant teenager to media icon shows that your biggest challenges often become your greatest strengths.
What’s your favorite thing about Heather’s story? Drop a comment and let’s chat about what inspires you most about her journey from South Africa to becoming one of New Zealand’s most influential voices.
Welcome to CelebReporting! I’m Sophia, a celebrity news expert with over 15 years of experience in entertainment journalism. I dive deep into celebrity bios, net worth, age, relationships, marriages, and more. My goal is to deliver accurate, engaging stories fans can trust. Let’s explore fame together!
