Heather du Plessis - Allan RADICAL ACCEPTANCE changed my life

Newstalk ZB’s queen of the airwaves shares how never shutting off from the job – especially during an election year when she’s challenging the country’s most powerful figures, on top of running a household of two ‘very full-on’ young children – takes its toll. But now, with the help of a psychologist, she has discovered how to finally switch off the noise.

- SOPHIE NEVILLE

Something crazy will happen – it always does,” says Heather du Plessis-Allan. She’s sitting in the makeup chair at 8am on a Wednesday morning and already, she’s deep into politics. Her thoughts and predictions on this year’s election come rapid-fire – and just as she does on-air, the former political reporter-turned radio host swings from serious to playful without missing a beat.

As host of Newstalk ZB’s Drive show, Heather is as polarising as she is popular, but whether you agree with her or not, there is something undeniably captivating about her. When she speaks, people listen. And today is no different. At The Weekly’s photoshoot, the room gradually gathers around as Heather speaks in her inimitably energetic – and slightly mischievous – way. She looks entirely at ease holding court, which makes what she says next all the more surprising.

“I really hate being the centre of attention!” she exclaims. “I know no one will believe me, but it’s true. You know when you’re at a dinner table telling a story, and suddenly the whole table goes quiet and everyone starts listening? I hate that feeling when you realise everyone’s focused on you.”

Broadcasting might seem a peculiar career choice then, but Heather only laughs.

“Isn’t it weird?” she says. “Maybe I need to go back and figure it out with my psychologist.”

In person, she comes across as warmer than her public persona might suggest – confident yet self-deprecating, opinionated but genuinely open to other views. She’s refreshingly candid for someone with a public profile such as hers – she gave up long ago trying to please people. This confidence, she says, was shaped early by a mother who constantly told her she was smart and could do anything she put her mind to.

“I guess I grew up thinking I am clever and what I have to say is worthwhile. Now I hear myself doing it to my own kids. I’m always telling them how smart they are.”