NPRT Takes Over Operation Of Pacific Radio Network

NPRT Takes Over Operation Of Pacific Radio Network Niu Fm

The National Pacific Radio Trust (NPRT), which is responsible for the radio network Niu FM, has today cancelled its contract with Pasefika Communications Network Limited’s (PCNL), the provider running the Niu FM network. This has become necessary as the Trust has serious concerns about the provider’s performance regarding the contract, which have not been resolved despite significant attempts on the part of the Trust to do so.

Niu FM, the new nationwide Pacific radio network, funded by Government through NPRT, began broadcasting August 2002.

The contract, known as, the Network Provider Agreement (NPA) was signed on 25 July 2002 between NPRT, the provider PCNL and the Auckland Pacific Island Community Radio Trust (APICRT) as guarantor of PCNL.

”We have become so concerned about PCNL’s recent admissions about how they are operating Niu FM, and their apparent unwillingness to resolve all the performance issues, that we have been forced to take the drastic step of cancelling the contract, thereby terminating PCNL’s involvement in the Niu FM network project”.

“The Trustees want to assure the Pacific Community that the Niu FM Network will continue to broadcast.

“The Trustees also note the Government’s support for the Trust and the continuation of the Niu FM Network for at least the balance of the pilot phase of three years,” says Simativa Perese, Chair of the Trust.

“Meetings have been held with PCNL and APICRT to try and find a resolution, however, we have not been satisfied with the response of PCNL or APICRT and have therefore decided to cancel the contract.”

“Our decision follows PCNL’s repudiation of an agreement to refer the dispute to arbitration to be presided over by a retired High Court judge,” says Mr Perese.

NPRT has instructed its lawyers to prepare High Court proceedings against PCNL and APICRT to recover part of the funding which NPRT wants refunded. These funds include money used to purchase motor vehicles, and a building owned by APICRT.

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