Leah Panapa's Departure From The Sound: What's Next?

Leah Panapa is a well-known broadcaster and radio personality in New Zealand, with an extensive career spanning over three decades. She has worked for various commercial radio stations, including The Rock and The Sound, and has won multiple awards for her work. In 2014, Panapa moved from The Rock to join The Sound breakfast show as a co-host. However, in 2017, her contract with The Sound was not renewed, leading to her departure from the station. After leaving The Sound, Panapa went on to pursue other opportunities, including a full-time gig at Magic Talk in 2019 and, later, her dream role hosting Magic Mornings.

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Leah Panapa's career before The Sound

Leah Panapa's career in broadcasting spans over three decades, with several impressive posts under her belt. She has won over ten radio awards and has been a finalist another five times.

Panapa's first experience with radio was when she was 14 years old. She visited a local radio station in Hawkes Bay with a friend and immediately knew she wanted to be in that world. At 17, she got her first radio gig at 93FM in her hometown of Hastings. She recalls how she would often ride her horse after school with one hand holding a transistor radio so she wouldn't miss her favourite show.

Panapa has had on-air hosting roles at several radio stations, including KisFM, 89X, Hauraki, The Rock, The Sound, and Radio Live. She has also appeared on television, featuring on Paul Henry's TV show and in Celebrity Home with Erin Simpson.

Before joining The Sound, Panapa had been with MediaWorks for 17 years. During her time at The Sound, she co-hosted with Mark Richardson. After her contract was not renewed, she experienced a period of uncertainty, as no other opportunities immediately presented themselves. However, she eventually landed her dream gig, hosting Magic Mornings, replacing Peter Williams.

Why Leah Panapa left The Sound

Leah Panapa is a well-known broadcaster and radio personality in New Zealand, with an extensive career spanning over three decades. She has worked for several commercial radio stations, including The Rock and The Sound, and has won numerous awards for her work.

In 2014, Panapa made a move from The Rock to join The Sound breakfast show as a co-host alongside Mark McCarron and Geoff Bryan. She expressed her excitement about joining The Sound, praising the team's passion and drive. However, in 2017, Panapa's contract with MediaWorks, the company that owned The Sound, was not renewed after a 17-year association. This unexpected development left her feeling anxious and uncertain about her future.

During this challenging period, Panapa also faced personal struggles, including her husband's recovery from a heart attack and her mother's battle with lung cancer. She started experiencing anxiety and panic attacks, which she consciously tries to manage through breathing techniques and regular exercise.

Despite the setback with her contract non-renewal, Panapa's resilience and adaptability shone through. She soon secured a full-time position at the newly launched Magic Talk in 2019, marking a shift from music radio to talkback radio. This new slot provided her with a preferable schedule and a fresh start.

While the reasons behind MediaWorks' decision to not renew Panapa's contract are not publicly known, it is clear that she embraced new opportunities and continued to thrive in the industry, demonstrating her professionalism and dedication to her craft.

Leah Panapa's career after The Sound

With over three decades in broadcasting, Leah Panapa has had an extensive career in the media. She has worked for several commercial radio stations in New Zealand, including Radio Hauraki, Radio Pacific, More FM, The Rock, The Sound, and Radio Live before its Magic Talk rebrand. In addition to her radio work, Panapa has also hosted various events, from hospitality charity functions to the NZ Law Awards and the Miss New Zealand competitions. She has also debated against comedians like Jeremy Corbett and Gary McCormick, showcasing her versatility and quick wit.

Panapa's career has been marked by her hard work, deep conversations, and ability to connect with people on and off the air. She is known for her fantastic sense of humour, warm nature, and skill in engaging any crowd. Her natural affinity for reading a room and reacting on the fly has earned her numerous accolades, including over ten New Zealand Radio Awards and five additional finalist placements.

In October 2021, Panapa landed her dream gig as the replacement host for Magic Mornings, taking over from the controversial previous host, Peter Williams. Her first day on the job was challenging, as she had to navigate confused and angry listeners who were unaware of the host change and technical issues that plagued the show. However, Panapa's resilience and experience shone through, and she quickly settled into her new role, embracing the schedule that gave her "her day back."

Outside of her professional life, Panapa is married to her husband, Mike, for 17 years, and they share a love for their two dogs, Kasha and Kaiser. They often spend time on Waiheke Island, a special place for them as it is where they exchanged their wedding vows.

Leah Panapa's personal life

Leah Panapa is a well-known broadcaster in New Zealand, with over three decades of experience in the industry. Her career began at a local radio station when she was just 15 years old, and she quickly progressed to hosting her own show at 17. Since then, she has worked for numerous commercial radio stations, including Radio Hauraki, Radio Pacific, More FM, The Rock, and The Sound, before moving to Radio Live and eventually Magic Talk. In addition to her radio work, Panapa has also appeared on television, hosting infomercials and co-hosting a wellness advice programme. She has also been a voice-over artist and MC, and has hosted various events, including the NZ Law Awards and the Miss New Zealand competitions.

Panapa was born in Auckland but grew up in the Hawksbay area around Hastings. She attended Karamu High School, the same school as radio peers Paul Holmes and Jason Reeves. She grew up with a passion for horses and radio, often riding her horse after school while listening to her favourite radio show. Her late-night listenings and interactions with local radio hosts fuelled her ambition to pursue a career in broadcasting. However, she could not afford to go to broadcasting school, so she worked hard and learned on the job, eventually becoming a skilled and renowned broadcaster.

In her personal life, Panapa has been married to her husband Mike for over 17 years. They enjoy spending time with their dogs, Kasha and Kaiser, and often spend time on Waiheke Island, where they got married. Panapa has also faced some challenges, including her husband's heart attack and her own struggles with anxiety. She has openly discussed her mental health journey, acknowledging the impact of traumatic life events and the support of her husband in managing her anxiety.

Despite the challenges and setbacks, Panapa has persevered and thrived in her career. She has won over ten radio awards and is known for her sense of humour, warmth, and ability to connect with her audience. Her resilience and adaptability have contributed to her longevity in the industry, and she continues to be a prominent figure in New Zealand broadcasting.

Leah Panapa's mental health journey

Leah Panapa is a broadcaster and radio host from New Zealand. She has had an extensive career in the media spanning over three decades, during which she has won numerous awards for her work. Panapa has been open about her struggles with anxiety and the strategies she uses to manage her mental health.

Growing up in Hastings, Panapa had a passion for horses and radio. She started her career in a local radio station at the age of 15, doing odd jobs and learning the ropes of the industry. At the age of 17, she took over the graveyard shift for a music radio station during the Christmas period, marking her first break into broadcasting.

However, Panapa's career has also had its challenges and setbacks. In 2017, she experienced a difficult period when her contract with The Sound radio station was not renewed after 17 years with the company. Around the same time, her colleague and friend passed away from a heart attack, and her mother was battling lung cancer. These events took a toll on her mental health, and she began to experience anxiety and panic attacks.

Panapa sought help from her GP and started learning breathing techniques and incorporating regular exercise into her routine. She also leaned on her husband, Mike, for support, and found comfort in spending time in nature and walking their dogs. Reflecting on this period, she shared:

> "I think once you’ve had panic attacks and anxiety, you’re always going to be susceptible or have it in some form. So every day I consciously try to focus on my breathing."

In addition to her own mental health struggles, Panapa has also experienced the impact of mental illness on a loved one. In 2019, her husband, Mike Nesbitt, suffered a heart attack. Panapa supported him through his recovery and later shared her own experience of anxiety and how she learned to manage it.

Despite the challenges she has faced, Panapa's resilience and longevity in the industry are testament to her strength and dedication. She has navigated the ups and downs of her career with grace and a sense of humour, and her ability to connect with people has made her a beloved figure in New Zealand broadcasting.

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