Radio Stations

Radio stations in New Zealand are broadcast to homes and businesses throughout the country, bringing us music, entertainment, news and views on current events, all available live on NZ radio.

According NZ On Air, a Government funded broadcasting organisation, New Zealand radio offers a more radio stations per person than most other countries in the world. For listeners, this means there is a wide selection of Kiwi radio stations from which to choose, with something to suit all tastes. From pop music to classic hits, hip hop to Maori music, talkback to student radio, NZ radio has it all.

One of the highest rating popular music stations is The Edge, playing all the latest hit tracks from local and international musicians. Other popular choices are ZM and  More FM, both with a focus on popular music for the masses.

For a distinctive bout of New Zealand music, including world class New Zealand bands, you can't beat Kiwi FM. Radio listeners who are into the sounds of rock music from iconic rock bands, such as Nirvana and Metallica, will enjoy The Rock. Hip hop and rap music are a feature of Mai FM's playlist; this station is popular with listeners in the Auckland region and upper North Island. Listeners who remember the 1970's and 1980's with fondness (or who enjoy the sounds of decades past) will enjoy the nostalgia of the Classic Hits playlist, which also covers contemporary music as well as the classics. Easy listening radio station The Breeze is soft on the ears, providing a range of music with catchy melodies and a smooth sound. Read more on these and other popular New Zealand radio stations.

Youth radio also has a strong place within the New Zealand radio soundscape, broadcast through B.Net, a network of student radio stations. These radio stations include Auckland University's 95bFm, Canterbury University's RDU and Otago University's Radio One. The focus of the B.Net stations is to offer a vehicle for more alternative music, both from New Zealand bands and international musicians, along with content that is relevant to students and young people.

For news and information, talkback stations such as Newstalk ZB draw large listening audiences. Newstalk places an emphasis on up-to-date news and discussion of current issues and events. Radio New Zealand National offers a blend of news, current affairs, indepth interviews, documentaries, drama and music. The station's owner, Radio New Zealand, also runs Concert FM, broadcasting classical music supplemented with jazz, contemporary and world music.

Other speciality radio stations include Maori and Pacific Island radio stations. At present, NZ On Air funds two stations for the Pacific Island community and Te Mangai Paho, the Maori broadcasting funding agency, promotes 21 Maori radio stations broadcasting Maori language and cultural content.

Other ethnic groups are growing in New Zealand, as we welcome new migrants to our country. Radio Tarana is an Auckland based commercial Indian radio station whose growth has been significant over the last three years. They now have 5% of the commercial radio market in Auckland city.

There is much variety in the content of New Zealand radio, reflecting the diversity of the nation’s population. So, what is the future of New Zealand radio? Radio New Zealand's purchase of digital radio technology indicates that we will follow the rest of the world in the adoption of Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) systems. DRM is currently used for shortwave transmissions in Europe and America, and allows transmission of FM quality audio over long distances. Broadcasting Minister Steve Maharey has said: "The purchase of this technology is an important part of New Zealand's contribution to improving broadcasting services and current affairs available across the Pacific region." The future of radio in New Zealand looks (and sounds) bright.

Looking for more information? Find comprehensive information on New Zealand radio stations in the NZS.com directory.

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