“People are searching for Jesus at Christmas”

Leanna, who hosts Life FM’s Afternoon Show, is excited to bring Jesus to the airwaves on Newstalk ZB this Christmas. (Photo from Life FM) •

For the past four Christmas mornings, Leanna Cooper has woken up at 4.30am to co-host CBA’s Crazy Kiwi Kids Christmas Show at the Newstalk ZB studios.

It’s a gig that requires high energy, plenty of coffee and sacrificing hours away from family on a special day - but Leanna, a radio and TV presenter, considers it a massive privilege. 

“I believe God has put me in a position and has given me gifts and talents where I can be entertaining on Christmas Day for the children of Aotearoa,” she said. 

One thing that brings Leanna back each year is the buzz of excitement as children share on-air about their Christmas mornings. “We take live calls from the kids on the show and have them tell us what they got for Christmas. It’s exciting because you feel like you’re a part of opening presents with them.” 

It’s these live, on-air interactions that make radio such a powerful medium. Leanna says radio allows presenters to connect personally and share the real Christmas message with listeners in their own homes. 

“A lot of people are searching for Jesus at Christmas time… with radio, people can turn it on and absorb it and think about the Christmas message without any judgement.”

Leanna, who hosts Life FM’s Afternoon Show, is excited to bring Jesus to the airwaves on Newstalk ZB this Christmas. •

Leanna has had more than 13 years of experience in media – from presenting TV3’s children’s show Sticky TV, to her current role hosting Life FM’s Afternoon Show. 

However, she says that  walking into the Newstalk ZB studios for the first time was a career highlight - hosting a radio show on New Zealand’s top commercial network. 

“This couldn’t be possible without the people who support CBA. It’s cool that people believe in this and get on board.”

“Thank you, ngā mihi nui kia koutou, to every single person who’s ever given and supported because that’s how we’re all here, doing what we’re doing.” •

Would you consider a donation to support us in our endeavour to shine God’s light from the hilltops this Christmas - bringing love, joy and hope to countless listeners?