Niu FM, the first ever national Pacific radio network is on air after the Pacific Island Affairs Minister, Mark Gosche officially announced it open on Saturday 31st August 2002.

Last May, the Minister of Broadcasting, Marion Hobbs and Minister of Pacific Island Affairs, Mark Gosche announced the Board of Trustees for the National Pacific Radio Trust (NPRT). The seven-member board provided the strategic direction for the national Pacific radio network.

The board includes Leatigagaeono Simativa Iupeli Perese, South Auckland Samoan barrister as chairman. The other board members are: Sarona Aiono-Iosefa, Christchurch Samoan journalist; Sina Moore, Auckland Samoan IT Consultant; Fa'amatuainu Tino Pereira, Wellington Samoan broadcaster; Caren Rangi, Wellington Cook Islands accountant; Peter Ropati, Auckland Tokelauan accountant; and Sifa Taumoepeau, Wellington Tongan Telecom employee.

All have been appointed by the government for four years, based on nominations from Pacific peoples. The board was responsible for appointing a radio network provider and for ensuring that the conditions of the network's trust deed are met. "Those conditions include helping to maintain and strengthen Pacific languages and promoting Pacific artists, music and culture', said Mark Gosche.

"This announcement is a significant milestone in making the long-held dream of a network a reality. The new network will help Pacific communities organize more effectively as well as strengthening our languages and our culture."

When the network was announced by Government in December 2001 almost $7.7million over four years was allocated by the government from the Reducing Inequalities Contingency fund and FM frequencies in the upper FM Band (100 - 108Mhz) were reserved for the network. The funding comprises $1.445 million for capital funding for the 2001/02 financial year, and $6.21 million for operating costs over four years.

The network is driven and operated by Pacific communities on a not for profit basis and provides for regional input. Niu FM is run by Pasefika Communications Network Limited, which was established by the

Auckland Pacific Island Community Radio Trust (APICRT).

APICRT is 100% owned by Pacific communities in Auckland. Niu FM is broadcast out of Auckland with studios soon to be established in Wellington and Christchurch.

Initially the network Niu FM will broadcast on these FM frequencies in the following regions: Auckland 103.8; Waikato 103.4; Whangarei 100.3; Wellington 103.7 & 100.7; Christchurch 104.10 and nationwide on Sky Digital Satellite Television on Channel 103. Transmitters will also broadcast in other regions in the near future.

Wikaire and Sidney say they are negotiating to have the series broadcast on TV channels in New Zealand and overseas and may look at showing it on the Maori Television Service when it starts at the end of the year.
 

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