Tune into Radio Whangaparaoa

Whangaparaoa’s own community radio station will hit the airwaves within a few months.

Based at the Whangaparaoa Hall, the station will broadcast on the 88FM frequency, as well as being available digitally online.

With most of the hardware in place, the call has gone out for volunteer DJs, station managers, ‘station mothers’ and session hosts.

Project coordinator, Cr Wayne Walker, says he has been talking to a whole raft of organisations about the community radio station’s potential.

“The response has been overwhelmingly positive,” he says. “This is a chance for local organisations, sports clubs and special interest groups to promote what they do to a much wider audience, basically for nothing.” In true community radio fashion, groups and individuals will take responsibility for hosting their own session/slot.

It will include local news and events, and slots hosted by local people and clubs. For example, there’ll be space for the Whangaparaoa Community Constable, Rock and Roll hosted by the Hibiscus Coast Rock n Roll Club, youth music and events, local history with Ruth Olsen, a seniors’ slot and more.

Sports groups, including Hibiscus Coast AFC and surf clubs are also keen to be involved along with Grey Power, Toastmasters and Hibiscus Coast Forest & Bird.

The station will operate around the clock with a mixed programme of live and pre-recorded material, and news bulletins will be courtesy of Hibiscus Matters.

A Facebook page and website is being set-up, which will be used to publicise the broadcast schedule.
“We’ve tested the signal and it covers the whole of the Hibiscus Coast, from Silverdale to Hatfields Beach,” Wayne says.

He says volunteers with an interest in radio will receive free training. He is also keen to recruit some station managers.

“It’s a marvellous opportunity for a couple of retired people, with good organisational skills and time to spare, to become involved in a fun and worthwhile community project,” he says.

For more information: email contact@wctust.co.nz or leave a message at 424 8349.