Establishment
Te Reo Irirangi o Tainui (Radio Tainui) was established as an Iwi radio station in November 1989 by a group of enthusiastic people from Ngaaruawaahia, with the support of the Turangawaewae Marae, Nga Marae Toopuu and the Tainui Maaori Trust Board. Radio Tainui‘s first license holder was the Tainui Maaori Trust Board who was succeeded in 1995 by the current license holder, the Waikato Raupatu Trustee Company (WRTC). Initial funding for the station came entirely from sponsorship until government funding for the promotion of Te Reo Māori became available to Maaori stations in 1993.
View of Ngaaruawahia from Hakarimata Ranges
The organisation was set up to “provide a radio-communication and media service in te reo rangatira and Maaori culture to all Tainui iwi members and listening community with a unique Tainui perspective”.
Radio Tainui is operated separately from tribal commercial entities and operated under the control of a Board of Trustees (currently 5). Te Reo Irirangi o Tainui Trust enjoys a cross-section of industry related, business and community representation.
The broadcasting licence for the station is held by Waikato Tainui Te Whakakitenga Incorporated. Currently, there are three FM frequencies, 95.4, (Hamilton City and the greater Waikato area), 106.4FM (Rahui Pokeka) and 96.5 (Kawhia).
Radio Tainui broadcasts 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing information relating to local, regional and national cultural activities catering for an audience demographic of Maaori ranging from 20-45yrs. Our office and studio are located at Jesmond Street, Ngaaruawāhia
