Maori radio on air from Easter

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 430, 31 March 1992, Page 1

Maori radio on air from Easter

A locally run Maori radio station looks set to be the first year-round station to operate from within the Waimarino. An office and broadcasting studio for Te Reo Irirangi O Whanganui has been set up in Clyde Street, Ohakune, next to the Ruapehu Visitor Centre, in the office formerly occupied by AA Travel (prior to that - by the Waimarino Bulletin). "We've set up the station up-town and not at the marae so we can involve the whole community," said Mathew Mareikura of the Maun-

garongo Marae. He said the station 's main thrust would be to promote Te Reo Maori, with emphasis on Mita O Whanganui (the dialect of the Whanganui River Tribes). "We're right on the brink of the mountain here and there are a host of different nationalities visiting here, and we hope to involve all people." The station is to broadcast on 91.2FM, six hours a day in a morning and an afternoon session, five days a week. Then it will link

to Te Reo O Whanganui, on 100FM in Wanganui. "We will be guided by listeners and will be open to suggestions from the community about the station," said Mr Mareikura. Plans are to start broadcasting from Waipuna Ridge after Easter. Two local people who are proficient Maori

speakers will be the announcers for the station and they will be supported by three others, also locals. The new staff are training with the 100FM staff in Wanganui at the moment. Later, a T aumarunui station is to.be added, which will then cover the Whanganui River Tribes area.