Grace Chase, 12, left, with her mum and radio show co-host, Everlyne Chase. PHOTO/HAYLEY GASTMEIER
HAYLEY GASTMEIER
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While most children are having fun on their scooters or playing games after school, Grace Chase has been donning a pair of headphones and learning to navigate a sound desk.
Until recently, the 12-year-old was “really shy”, but on Monday she became Eketahuna Radio’s youngest host, with her new show being broadcast from South Wairarapa to Norsewood.
Grace is producing and presenting Mother Daughter Mondays, which explores the unique relationship between mothers and daughters.
The Eketahuna School pupil said it was about comparing different generations of women.
“Basically, it’s about mothers now, and when they were daughters, and what it’s like to be a daughter in the 21st Century.”
Grace’s co-host is her mother and Eketahuna Radio committee secretary Everlyne Chase, but it’s clear who is in charge. Grace has been going to regular training sessions at the station to learn how the systems work.
A little nervous before going to air on Monday, she was busy writing down the questions she would put to her three guests – grandmother Jenny Davidson, her daughter Megan Governor, and her daughter Stella, 11.
Everlyne said she was surprised Grace had taken a shine to the radio.
“She was really shy, but ended up winning her school speech competition.”
Trainer and Radio Eketahuna co-chairwoman Denise Clifton said Grace was very dedicated to learning the ropes.
“Grace has been regularly investing her time, she’s listened, and has a natural talent.”
Denise said the show was a “fantastic concept” and very topical.
“It’s nice to get a new and young perspective. Children look at life differently and they are our future.”
Mother Daughter Mondays is broadcast live-to-air on Monday from 4.30pm to 5.30pm on Eketahuna Radio [106.5FM and 88.3FM].
As well as the interviews with guests, Grace will play a range of music and inform her listeners of local events.
Everlyne said her daughter was inspiring.
“I’m proud of her for going outside of her square.
“Most girls her age wouldn’t think of doing something like this, and Grace has shown an interest and is raising awareness about it.”
