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TVNZ’s new Good Morning host’s home truths

TVNZ’s new Good Morning host Rod Cheeseman is proud to reveal he’s recently developed a whole new area of expertise.

He’s better known for his sports reporting than his expertise in the world of fashion, fitness and food, but TVNZ’s new Good Morning host Rod Cheeseman is proud to reveal he’s recently developed a whole new area of expertise.

Since the ill-fated TV3 breakfast show Sunrise was cancelled in mid 2010, Rod has been working for TVNZ presenting Skoda Game On and covering one-off events such as the Rugby World Cup and the Heineken Open.

He’s also been a stay-at-home dad to his two kids, Charlie (6) and Hattie (3), honing his talents in the domestic arts and becoming a master of the ponytail and the packed lunch. “The hardest part of the job was dressing Hattie,” laughs Rod (36). “Get me anywhere near women’s clothing – even size three – and it’s a nightmare!

Hattie started looking like an optical illusion with stripes, spots and checks all worn together, so I’ve had to learn a lot about dress sense. “I also now know how to make great lunches and I’ve revolutionised the washing system in this household with my custom-built clothes airer.”

But swapping his position as the breadwinner with his wife Lucie, who took on a six-month contract as a deputy school principal, was sometimes hard to swallow. “It can feel a bit emasculating at times,” admits Rod. “It’s quite weird to suddenly start asking your wife if you can go and buy a pair of jeans.”

Ultimately, however, this modern man is pleased he’s been able to show his kids that they can always rely on him. “When I was growing up my dad was away a lot and when he did come home there was this sort of aura around him, but there wasn’t much

closeness. We all try to improve on our parents and he was a thousand times better than his father.”

Lucie (35) is also rapt with the results of Rod’s stint at the helm. “Rod’s always been very hands-on with the kids, but ultimately it’s been me who has had the responsibility. Now his relationship with the kids is even closer than it was before,” she says.

“I’ve watched him grow in confidence when it comes to making decisions about the children and the way things are going to be handled. The kids know we’re a team.” Being at home has also opened Rod’s eyes to the world outside the workplace.

“Meeting other parents makes you realise that the stereotype of the ‘stay-at-home mum’ is outdated now. For a start, there are a lot of dads too. But just because you’re at home with the kids doesn’t mean you’re not interested in politics or finance or what’s happening in the world. Your brain can go to mush when you’re at home because the routine is so relentless – that’s why I’m looking forward to taking a new approach to daytime TV.”

While Rod is excited about bringing his own personal touch to Good Morning, which has been a much-loved show for 12 years, he does get the odd pang of nerves. “I have a love-hate relationship with TV,” says Rod.

“It gives me a buzz, but you’re constantly putting yourself out there and it can be stressful. I’m probably a bit too sensitive and haven’t got a big enough ego. What I love is getting to talk to different people and helping bring out the best in them on air.”

Now that he’s back in the studio five days a week, Rod admits he is already feeling nostalgic for some of the little rituals he’s come to love. “Monday morning news at kindy has been a highlight of my week. The kids all say what happened in the weekend and lots of parents stick around because it’s where you get all the best gossip.

The hardest part for me will be not getting to see their faces when I pick them up from school and daycare. They’re so excited and gleeful – they’re like Labradors. Hopefully my new routine will still allow for a bit of that.”

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