NZ On Air has confirmed funding for 2014/15 to ensure a diverse range of voices, languages and music extend choice for all New Zealanders on radio stations throughout the country.

“The funding we provide for radio is diverse. Through it we support a huge range of programming made by and for local communities in 40 different languages, promote NZ music, and ensure children and minority audiences are catered for. This is at the core of our mandate under the Broadcasting Act. It is radio that you will not hear elsewhere and most is also available online,” says NZ On Air Chief Executive Jane Wrightson.

More than $2 million will support 12 regional Access stations. This funding supports the running of the stations – the programmes themselves are funded by the groups who make them.

A nationwide Pacific voice will continue to be heard through a $3.4 million investment. The National Pacific Radio Trust (NPRT), which runs 531pi and NiuFM, plus the Wellington-based Samoa Capital Radio, ensure Pacific peoples can keep their languages and culture alive in New Zealand.

NZ On Air also sponsors New Zealand music shows on student and alternative format radio stations. These programmes help increase the diversity of New Zealand music, and expose listeners to new artists. Combined funding of $960,000 for music programmes on nine radio stations has been confirmed.

Also included in the annual radio funding decisions are programmes for various commercial radio audiences for children, and covering specialist topics such as spirituality and mental health.

Annual funding for Radio New Zealand has been confirmed at $31.816 million (plus funding provided from the Digital Media Fund for thewireless.co.nz*). “We continue to be extremely proud of Radio New Zealand’s achievements and audience growth,” says Ms Wrightson.

*Funding for thewireless.co.nz for 2014/15 has not yet been considered or confirmed.

Funding details

• Radio New Zealand, $31.816 million
• National Pacific Radio Trust, Niu FM, 531pi, $3.25 million
• Samoa Capital Radio, $180,000

Access Stations

• Access Manawatu, Lower North Island, $165,000
• Access Radio Taranaki, Taranaki, $174,000
• Arrow FM, Lower North Island, $135,000
• Coast Access Radio, Lower North Island, $135,000
• Free FM, Waikato/Lakes, $230,000
• Fresh FM, Nelson/Marlborough, $195,000
• Otago Access Radio, Otago, $169,000
• Plains FM, Canterbury, $230,000
• Planet FM, Auckland, $250,000
• Radio Kidnappers, East Coast/Hawkes Bay, $170,000
• Radio Southland, Southland, $165,000
• Wellington Access Radio, Lower North Island, $210,000
• Radio Reading Service, Lower North Island, $110,348

Music features

• Kiwi FM, Auckland/Wellington/Christchurch, $260,000
• 95bFM, Auckland, $180,000
• Base FM, Auckland & Freeview, $80,000
• The Most FM, New Plymouth, $40,000
• Radio Control, Palmerston North, $60,000
• Radio Active, Wellington, $100,000
• RDU, Christchurch, $100,000
• Pulzar FM, Christchurch, $20,000
• Radio One, Dunedin, $80,000

Commercial radio features

• Paakiwaha, UMA Broadcasting for multiple stations, $75,000
• Real Life With John Cowan, Christian Broadcasting Association for Newstalk ZB, $12,000
• Scrubcutter, Christian Broadcasting Association for NewstalkZB, $70,000
• The Great Big Kids Show – series 7, Treehut Ltd for multiple stations, $118,175
• The Nutters Club Radio Show, The Key To Life Charitable Trust for NewstalkZB, $69,400

Media Releases: NZ On Air