RNZ Pacific New Zealand's Voice in the Pacific Region

RNZ Pacific, also known as Radio New Zealand Pacific (RNZP), serves as the official international broadcasting arm of Radio New Zealand. Its primary mission is to promote and reflect New Zealand's presence in the Pacific and to foster stronger relations between New Zealand and various Pacific nations.

Broadcasting Reach and Languages

As the sole shortwave radio station in New Zealand, RNZ Pacific provides a vital communication link to several island nations. Operating from studios in Radio New Zealand House in Wellington and utilizing a transmitter at Rangitaiki in the North Island, the station's signal spans from East Timor in the west to French Polynesia in the east.

The station targets a wide array of regions, including Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Samoa, the Cook Islands, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Tonga. Interestingly, its signal can also be detected in Australia, East and Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America.

To ensure inclusivity and accessibility, RNZ Pacific broadcasts news in seven Pacific languages in addition to English:

• Cook Islands Māori
• French
• Niuean
• Pijin
• Samoan
• Tongan
• English

History and Evolution

Early Beginnings

The service was launched in 1948 as Radio New Zealand, a subsidiary of the New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation. In its early days, it utilized two 7.5 kW transmitters at Titahi Bay, which were remnants of US military equipment from World War II. After a brief closure, the station reopened in 1976 under the third Labour government's foreign policy.

By 1987, the New Zealand government sought a more active foreign policy in the Pacific. This led to an upgrade of the station, including the installation of a 100 kW transmitter, and a re-launch as Radio New Zealand International (RNZI) on the opening day of the 1990 Auckland Commonwealth Games. The station embraced digital technology and launched its first website in 2000.

Recent Developments and Rebranding

RNZI has earned significant acclaim, including the International Radio Station of the Year award in 2007, beating the BBC World Service. In May 2017, the online brand was transitioned to RNZ Pacific to better reflect its role in engaging with the domestic Pasifika audience within New Zealand.

While analog shortwave transmissions continue, since 2016, the station has utilized DRM digital radio transmissions to distribute programming to partner stations. Currently, FM and AM stations in American Samoa, Cook Islands, Kiribati, Niue, Norfolk Island, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu rebroadcast RNZ Pacific content.

News and Editorial Focus

RNZ Pacific is one of the only state-owned public broadcasters covering the Pacific region (alongside Radio Australia). Its news service focuses heavily on South Pacific countries, reporting on natural disasters, political crises, and news relating to New Zealand's interests in the region.

The station employs a diverse team of reporters and freelancers to provide on-the-ground reporting, ensuring that the voices of the Pacific are heard globally. It frequently interviews government leaders, NGO spokespeople, and academic experts to provide a balanced view of regional affairs.