Auction of Pioneer Radio Equipment Threatens Loss for New Zealand

Plans by Otago University to auction off New Zealand's pioneer radio
transmitter later this month could result in an iconic heritage item
being sold to an overseas buyer warns the Radio Heritage Foundation.

According to a report in the Otago Daily Times over the weekend, the
original transmitter used by Prof Robert Jack to begin radio
broadcasting in New Zealand almost 90 years ago is to be sold by the
Physics Department because it has no space for it and 'wasn't able to
operate as a museum' quoting the department's current head Prof Rob
Ballagh.

Radio Heritage Foundation chairman David Ricquish says the sale could
easily result in the transmitter and other items being sold overseas
to the highest bidder, resulting in the loss of a valuable heritage
item not just from Dunedin, but also from New Zealand.

"We don't understand why Otago University seems to be so cash
strapped and short-sighted as to risk the loss of this heritage
material just to apparently make a buck or two and clear some space'
he says.

"Any sensible university and community would make a real effort to
make sure Prof Jack's original transmitter, documentation and
associated equipment is not only kept locally, but also understand
it's exactly this kind of material that forms the basis of our
culutral heritage."

The Radio Heritage Foundation suggests strongly that the items
concerned should be withdrawn from public auction and Otago
University fully explore other options for their safe future in the
Dunedin community.

"Why doesn't Otago University lease the transmitter on a long term
basis to the Otago Settlers Museum for a nominal sum in return for
its continued care and retention in the community" asks Mr Ricquish.

"We believe it could become a focal point for cultural tourism in
Dunedin in a similar way to the Lord Rutherford Exhibition at the
Christchurch Arts Centre. Christchurch has got it right, they keep
their heritage."

'It seems to us that there are much better ways of dealing with our
cultural heritage than simply flogging it off to the highest bidder
as seems to be the plan in this case' he concludes.

The Radio Heritage Foundation is a registered non-profit organization
connecting popular culture, nostalgia and radio heritage across the
Pacific. Based in Wellington, it's global website
www.radioheritage.net celebrates many aspects of radio broadcasting.
It protects ephemera and other items of New Zealand's broadcasting
heritage.

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