Leading From Behind

Running a marathon isn't something that comes naturally to newsreader Niva Retimanu. But whether you come first or last, if you complete 42.2 kilometres, you're still a marathon runner. In Leading from Behind, Niva tells how she went from overweight, heavy-drinking junk-food fan to motivated, health-conscious marathon runner - and how much fun she's had along the way. Niva might finish last in her races, but she has kept up her party attitude, sometimes in costume and always trying to cross the finish line in style: hootin' and hollerin' and with a broad grin on her face. It hasn't all been a barrel of laughs though - take that storm in Queenstown, the extra kilometres in Beirut, or the time in New York when she lost the disabled athlete she was meant to be guiding. Life with Niva is never dull. As well as telling a host of great stories, Leading from Behind is a call to people of all ages, shapes and sizes to get out and do something active. If Niva can do it, so can you!

Niva Retimanu is a newsreader and trained journalist based in Auckland, New Zealand. Born in Invercargill to Samoan parents, Niva has worked in radio for many years, and is known for her distinctively deep and rich-toned voice.