There’s Music In The Air – And It’s 100% Kiwi.

There’s Music In The Air – And It’s 100% Kiwi.

New Zealand music’s continued coming of age has finally stirred life into a six-year old plan to establish an all-New Zealand content radio station. In what is being touted as the biggest move in local radio since David Gapes and friends sailed off into the Hauraki Gulf, this Waitangi Day will see Channel Z become Kiwi – New Zealand’s first 100% Kiwi music network.

According to Kiwi’s Programme Director, Grant Hislop, the timing couldn’t be better, with New Zealand artists enjoying unparalleled levels of success across a number of genres, and local fans shaking loose the shackles of cultural cringe and developing a greater sense of pride in the achievements of local talent.

“Simply put: About bloody time! We are rapt that this plan is finally coming to fruition and the feedback so far has been nothing short of phenomenal,” he says.

“The last few years have been such a watershed period for the local scene with brilliant new acts, and programmers and listeners alike taking risks that they may not have a decade ago. Everyone at Channel Z has a passion for New Zealand music and we see the decision to re-brand and re-format to Kiwi simply as a long-overdue extension of that passion.”

Although Hislop cannot comment on the on air line-up at this stage, he says the proposed format will genuinely appeal to a broad 15-49 year old audience.

“Kiwi will continue to be instrumental in breaking new acts as well as focussing on the best of New Zealand music both past and present.” he says.

Kiwi’s format will include dedicated genre-specific shows with plans to enlist the help of famous New Zealanders in guest spots and a concentration on musical styles to suit the personalities and knowledge bases of the chosen on-air hosts.

Hislop isn’t the only one brimming with enthusiasm for Kiwi. According to Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) head Ant Healy, the move is further evidence of just how strong the local music industry is.

“This is an incredibly positive move. To think the industry has grown to the point where we can sustain a twenty-four hour a day, local content radio station is just amazing,” he says.

“I think New Zealanders will support Kiwi and hopefully local artists will reap the benefits of increased exposure, and increased royalty revenue, attributed to the station over the coming period.”

Kiwi will begin broadcasting at 7pm on February 6th – Waitangi Day, on three major frequencies: 93.8FM in the Auckland region, 91.7FM in Wellington and 99.3FM in Christchurch. Additionally Kiwi will also be available nationwide to SKY Digital subscribers on Sky Channel 100, and streaming online at www.kiwifm.co.nz.

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