Waiheke Island Radio History and Evolution
The history of broadcasting on Waiheke Island is a testament to the community's desire for local voice and artistic expression. From early independent ventures to the challenges of commercial spectrum auctions, the island has seen a rotating cast of stations dedicated to reflecting the unique spirit of its residents.
Island Radio 93.8FM: The First Community Voice
Launched in early 1991 by Peter and Adrienne Young along with other directors, Island Radio 93.8FM stood as Waiheke's first true community radio station. Owned and operated by Peter Young, the station relied on a combination of volunteer deejays and a small administrative staff to keep the airwaves active.
The station was known for its eclectic range of personalities and programming. Notable hosts included Rick and Teddy, followed by Rick and Mitch in the mornings, and later Hariata. The programming reflected the diverse walks of life on the island, featuring Rosso's Sports show on Saturday mornings, the Gay and Lesbian Show hosted by Mara, and community affairs and news presented by Bute Hewes. Originally based at the Artworks complex in Oneroa, the station moved to 4 Korora Road in 1992 due to rising rent. Despite several successful years, Island Radio eventually lost its frequency through the tendering process.
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The Era of Beach Radio
Following the early community efforts, Beach Radio became a staple of the Oneroa Artworks complex. Under the ownership and operation of veteran Auckland radio personality Barry Jenkin, the station featured a mix of community-based shows and a breakfast program hosted by Jenkin himself. Operating entirely via volunteers, the station broadcast on 99.4FM, as well as 107FM for the Onetangi and Palm Beach areas.
Beach Radio was more than just a broadcaster; it was a cultural archive and promoter of local talent. The weekend news and events show, Island Life, archived its broadcasts on the Internet Archive for posterity. Starting in 2003, the station launched Live On The Beach every May to celebrate New Zealand Music Month. This annual series provided a platform for Waiheke musicians who were often overlooked by local venues due to their age or non-traditional musical styles.
In 2006, the station expanded its cultural footprint by launching The Alternatuis, music awards designed to showcase alternative artists. The awards featured figures such as Chris Knox, Steve Abel, Dudley Benson, and The Mint Chicks, with some artists even placing Alternatui winner stickers on their CD releases. Beach Radio eventually became defunct after losing its frequency during the 2008 tendering process.
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The Waiheke Community Radio Trust and Spectrum Challenges
The closure of Beach Radio prompted the formation of the Waiheke Community Radio Trust, a not-for-profit entity aimed at restoring a community-led station to the island. However, the trust faced significant financial hurdles during the August 2008 spectrum auction.
The trust bid for the 99.4 frequency, but the frequency ultimately sold for $380,000 to World TV Limited, a company specializing in Asian-language broadcasting. This was the second-highest sum paid for any frequency in that auction round. This trend of high pricing was not new; a previous Waiheke frequency had sold for $378,000 in 2003. These exorbitant costs effectively priced out local interests, as the island's population was insufficient to support a commercial or non-commercial operation burdened by such high acquisition debts.
Waiheke Radio: The Modern Era
Despite the auction setbacks, Waiheke Radio began its first live broadcast on Saturday, June 28, 2008. The debut featured The Classic Gold Breakfast, a national show hosted by veteran broadcaster Chris Diack, who broadcast from the Artworks studio with the help of local volunteers and students from Waiheke Primary School.
The station officially opened on October 25, 2008, and has since evolved into a hub for specialist music and interview-based programming. Current highlights include:
- Hour of Power: Presented by Raz Chianti and Jahn Vann, airing Tuesday evenings at 7:30pm.
- The WayUp Radio Show: Debuting in August 2022 and hosted by Paul, Justin, Wayan, and Jahn (with occasional contributions from Andrew and Dean). Airing Tuesdays from 7pm to 9pm, the show blends electronic dance, soul, and hip-hop classics with uplifting banter.
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Key Facts
- First Station: Island Radio 93.8FM launched in early 1991.
- Cultural Contribution: Beach Radio established the "Live On The Beach" series in 2003 and "The Alternatuis" awards in 2006.
- Financial Barrier: The 99.4 frequency sold for $380,000 in 2008, pricing out the local Community Radio Trust.
- Current Status: Waiheke Radio officially opened on October 25, 2008, and continues to broadcast specialist local content.
| Station Name | Key Era/Launch | Notable Features | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Island Radio 93.8FM | 1991 | First true community station; diverse local hosts. | Lost frequency via tendering. |
| Beach Radio | Pre-2008 | Live On The Beach; The Alternatuis awards. | Defunct after 2008 auction. |
| Waiheke Radio | 2008 | Specialist music; The WayUp Radio Show. | Active. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who started the first community radio station on Waiheke?
Island Radio 93.8FM was launched in early 1991 by Peter and Adrienne Young along with other directors.
What were The Alternatuis?
The Alternatuis were music awards launched by Beach Radio in 2006 to showcase alternative artists such as Chris Knox and The Mint Chicks.
Why did the Waiheke Community Radio Trust fail to secure the 99.4 frequency?
The frequency sold for $380,000 to World TV Limited, a price that was far beyond the financial reach of the not-for-profit trust.
What is the purpose of the "Live On The Beach" series?
Started in 2003, the series showcases Waiheke musicians who may not have opportunities to perform in local venues due to their age or musical style.
What is The WayUp Radio Show?
Launched in August 2022, it is a Tuesday night show (7pm-9pm) featuring an eclectic mix of soul, hip-hop, and electronic dance music, hosted by locals including Wayan, Paul, Justin, and Jahn.