Bernie's New Groove

At 47, life for music radio co-host Bernadine Oliver-Kerby is by no means the same old song. She tells NEXT about her career ‘leap of faith’, her new mantra, and why this next phase is all about family and fun.

- Zoe Walker Ahwa

Bernadine Oliver-Kerby is a hoot, laughing and chatting over a flat white at a bustling café across the road from her office. Her bubbly energy must be contagious, the volume in the room getting louder and louder around us as she talks. Up since 4 am, this is Bernie’s third – or is it fourth? – coffee of the day; she has a much-loved, much-used Nespresso machine sitting on her desk, a gift from husband Mark. “Not many people wash their hair at 4 am,” she jokes of her routine, “but I managed to this morning!”

The popular broadcaster has been a mainstay of New Zealand screen and radio for years, but in January began a new role that has seen her focus on having a bit more fun, moving from news to music as the breakfast co-host on radio station Coast. Seven months in, she admits – despite her years of experience – she’s still learning loads. “I’ve got my L-plates firmly fixed on, and they won’t be coming off for a long time. In fact, I’m not even close to getting my restricted!”

She’s joking, with that classic Kiwi self-deprecating humour and attitude that have made her so beloved – but for Bernadine, there is also genuine pleasure in the novelty of a fresh challenge. The 47-year-old is watching, learning, and loving it. As a long-time presenter with TVNZ and newsreader at Newstalk ZB, Bernadine was accustomed to being in complete control and knowing exactly what to do and when to do it. She could have done it all with her eyes closed. But that, she admits, was a major reason she knew it was time to make a change.

“It’s like having a baby or getting married: there’s never a good time. You’ve just got to take the leap of faith,” she says.

“It’s about bettering yourself and upskilling. I’m only in my 40s; I’m not retired yet!”