Radio Network

7 November 2008 | “It’s very exciting to be able to bring Radio Hauraki to Marlborough,” says The Radio Network’s Blenheim general manager Thelma Sowman.

“Radio Hauraki is a ratings favourite in many other New Zealand cities and my expectation is that the station will quickly establish a strong audience across Marlborough,” says Ms Sowman.

“Radio Hauraki’s classic rock format, will appeal to Marlborough’s over 30 male audience.”

“In other good news for our male listeners Radio Sport is now available on 98.5FM. The change to FM will enhance the Radio Sport listening experience and our expectation is that it will provide greater coverage throughout the region. We will continue to simulcast Radio Sport on 1539AM to give listeners plenty of time to migrate to 98.5FM”

“It’s a sign of The Radio Network’s confidence in the district to have made these investments and they compliment our other very popular stations already serving Marlborough – Classic Hits, Newstalk ZB and ZM,” says Thelma Sowman.

A test programme is currently running on Radio Hauraki’s 94.5FM frequency. The Morning Pirates breakfast show with comedians Willy de Wit and Dean Butler and Dean Young kicks off Radio Hauraki at 6.00am on Monday. Other members of the on-air team are Mark Woods 10am-3pm, Nik Brown 3pm-7pm and Mike Currie hosts the Radio Hauraki Road train from 7pm.

It was in 1966, forty two years ago that the Radio Hauraki “pirates” ignored government warnings and commenced their then illegal broadcasts from the Hauraki Gulf on-board the “Tiri” establishing the first private commercial radio station in New Zealand.