Radio Station Closes

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 1, Issue 14, 6 September 1983, Page 12

Radio Station Closes

Ruapehu Radio rocked into the region on 6 August bringing music, news and community information to both sides of the mountaiti for the first time. With an on air studio . . two transmitters and Dave Campbell's 'team' of hybrid broadcasters gleaned from private and Radio N.Z. stations throughout the country, 2XR took to the airwaves. Many people saw the short term station as just a vehicle for skiers but the poor season brought the broadcasters into the' com-

munity in a way that might not have eventuated had there been more snow. The co-operation worked both ways with the Horopito Hilton, Rock 'n' Roll Raetihi and Romi's mountain accepted with good humour and some reverence. A week before broadcast, the two transmitters were erected, station manager Dave Campbell and copywriter Louise McKenzie dusted off desks at 92 Clyde Street and the rest of the staff assembled for action. Four weeks, nine staff and numerous late nights and early mornings later, 2XR has packed up with the hope it'll be allowed back next year. There have been comparatively few hiccups, thanks to technical wallah Mark Holmes. As 'Mark Two' or 'Zef' he also takes the credit for faithfully waking Romi up in time for the breakfast show every morning. Well most mornings anyway. The other multi-talented Mark was Everton of Auckland who served as an announcer and newshound for the first week before conquering numerous fernale hearts in the second. The female 'on-air' presence was the domain of both MJ, the bastion of Greymouth radio who developed an amazing capacity for Steinlagers, and cute and cuddly Cathy Campbell, on loan from Wellington's Radio Windy. Breakfast announcer Romi Patel is a veteran of every short term radio station in the book . . proven by his ability to cope with production problems, mothers and children clamouring for stickers and the occasional hangover — sorry 'flu'. He didn't even get embarrassed when everyone on the mountain laughed at his skiing. As for the boss, David Archibald Campbell, what more can be said except he has the worst taste in pyjamas, an undeniably frugal Scots heritage, is no relation to Cathy (the cute and cuddly one) and has the best taste in staff in the world! Last minute contributions from Captain Malcolm and John Barry mustn't be forgotten. For the 2XR staff, leaving the Ruapehu region meant leaving the hospitality of the Raetihi Hotel, the coffee from a certain foreign restaurant and the continuing tolerance and good humour of local businessmen.