Radio New Zealand celebrates sixty years of international broadcasting

Radio New Zealand is celebrating 60 years
of international shortwave broadcasting.

On 27 September, the Dominion Day holiday in 1948, New Zealand’s first international shortwave service was launched by Prime Minister Peter Fraser. It took the name ‘Radio New Zealand’ and was part of the New Zealand Broadcasting Service (NZBS).

The network has had a chequered history but, sixty years on, is stronger than ever, broadcasting today as Radio New Zealand International, providing an essential link between New Zealand and its Pacific neighbours. 

Today Radio New Zealand International is well respected and widely heard across the Pacific and into South East Asia. Eighteen Pacific radio stations re-broadcast Radio New Zealand International material each day and the service is available through digital and analogue shortwave, and via the Internet.

Radio New Zealand International Manager, Linden Clark, acknowledges the technological revolution that has allowed the network to achieve its current international recognition. “From humble beginnings, using two second hand US military transmitters left behind after the Second World War, the station has grown to become a significant international broadcaster using shortwave, digital and analogue technology which allows us to play a vital role in increasing understanding and awareness of New Zealand’s role in the Pacific.”

Anniversary celebrations this week will include a special programme to be broadcast on Radio New Zealand National at 12.20 am on Saturday 27th September and at 9.06 pm on Tuesday 30th September. This programme will also be broadcast on Radio New Zealand International throughout the week. It includes the opening announcement by the Prime Minister of the day, Peter Fraser, excerpts from early programmes and interviews with former and current staff.

Radio New Zealand International

Source: Media Network, Radio New Zealand Limited