It's been a year to remember for radio star Lana CochraneSearle, who married her longtime best friend last November, reignited her passion for playing rugby and, most recently, celebrated a whopping 20 years working in radio.
The More FM Breakfast Club co-host was just 16 when she first set foot in a radio station - to record an advertisement for Dargaville High School, where she was a boarder.
"Do you know what?" asks Lana incredulously.
"I didn't even realise! My mum reminded me and I was shocked that it's been 20 years since I was in seventh form! "I remember being like, 'Oh, my gosh, what is this place?' I always loved music and radio as a teenager, but I never thought it could be a job. I was like, ‘You get paid for this?’ It seemed too fun!” she says, adding she’s still looking for the bad side of the job.
“It must show itself soon, it’s been 20 years!
“I remember thinking, ‘Surely there’s another part of this that I don’t know about yet’ when I first gave it a go.”
And although her love for radio hasn’t changed over the past two decades, Lana, 36, has seen the industry “evolve for the better”.
This story is from the July 23, 2023 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 23, 2023 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Wax lyrical SHINE BRIGHT
We're not blowing smoke! These easy projects will light up your rooms in a jiffy
Mum's hero team GIVING GIGI A FLYING CHANCE
Twice her daughter has needed life-saving treatment
Call the midwife AROHA'S SPECIAL DELIVERIES
The maternity carer wants more pregnant mums to have the traditional Māori birth experienc
Winning his Queen back FRED & MARY'S TOUR OF LOVE
There's a lot riding on the royal couple's anniversary cruise
The winner TAKES IT ALL!
Five decades on from Abba's Arrival, we're still saying Thank You For the Music
The show must go on! TAYLA'S LIVING HER DREAM
From opera to operations, the young Kiwi performer is unstoppable
From Russia with love 'ADVENTURE'S IN MY BLOOD'
Victoria's glad she took the leap of faith, even though it was a desperate act
Marata's supporting role 'NIKKI'S THE REAL WARRIOR'
The league star pays tribute to his soulmate who lives with a painful condition
Stronger than ever WILLS & KATE'S ENDURING LOVE
Through all life's challenges, the royal soulmates are there for each other
Four kids and a party JESSE'S BRINGING THE FUN!
The TV host is dancing to his own beat when it comes to fatherhood and fame