If you are at all interested in politics, Barry Soper will be a household name for you. With a political journalism career spanning more than four decades, and a newly published book called One last question, Prime Minister, he thoroughly entertained a full Tautoru / TSB Space this morning at WORD Christchurch Festival 2026. He shared tales from his time as political editor in and around the Beehive, on press tours with various Prime Ministers, and more personal one-on-one interactions with some of our most well-known politicians.
One Last Question, Prime Minister
Barry mentioned some of the fascinating tales from his book. One highlight for me was the story he told about travelling to South Africa during the David Lange era, where he found a phone book, called up Bishop Desmond Tutu and visited him in his home for an interview.
Another highlight was his comments about Helen Clark, whom he believed to be a clever and shrewd politician. She would talk to Barry and give him gossip. Then after he published some of this gossip, she would gauge public opinion, and either claim or deny the stories.
One thing that really stuck out to me was the positive and enduring relationship Barry had with many of the ten politicians he has written stories about in his book. The fact that both John Key and Helen Clarke wrote recommendations for his book before even reading it is a testament to his integrity and reputation as a journalist.
All in all a fascinating hour spent with a man whose working life has been writing about our politicians for us.
Sarah, Tūranga
Politics
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