Tihiotonga transmission mast closure
On 30 June 2025 RNZ will be retiring its aging AM radio transmitter site at Tihiotonga.
The Tihiotonga site provides AM radio transmissions for rural areas in the Rotorua District on the 1188 AM frequency.
Listeners to RNZ National on the 1188 AM frequency will need to re-tune by 1 July 2025 to either 101.5 FM or 819 AM to continue listening.
There are also several alternative online listening options which are detailed below.
If you are having any reception issues, please contact us:
Email transmission@rnz.co.nz
Phone 0800 435 772
You could also check out our reception tips for AM and FM
What areas are impacted by the change?
As the map below shows, currently 1188 AM serves rural areas of the Rotorua District between Ngawaro and Waiotapu, and Mamaku and Lake Tarawera. The frequency covers an area of approximately 62,700 listeners. The FM frequency (101.5FM) operates in the more populous areas of Rotorua, between Okere Falls and Kapenga.
Because of overlapping signals this area is able to receive RNZ National on 819 AM through the Paengaroa transmitter in Te Puke. The map below shows this coverage in green. It covers the entire impacted area and more.
Will there be areas where AM coverage will be lost?
We do not believe so. Our modelling shows 100% coverage in this area from 101.5 FM and 819 AM. However, if you are experiencing difficulties please contact us.
Email transmission@rnz.co.nz
Phone 0800 435 772
Why are there currently overlapping signals in the area?
The Tihiotonga mast was put up 60+ years ago and predates the FM transmitter that now serves the area. At the time to increase AM frequency in suburban areas, infill sites like Tihiotonga were put up. Because FM is now servicing the more populated areas of Rotorua the Tihiotonga mast is no longer needed.
Why stop transmitting from the Tihiotonga mast now?
At 60+ years old, the Tihiotonga mast has reached the end of its useful life and requires either removal or remediation. It is not safe to allow the aging mast to stay up indefinitely.
Why isn’t RNZ replacing the Tihiotonga mast?
Replacing the mast would be an expensive exercise to allow a frequency to continue that is no longer needed. RNZ is publicly funded, and we do not consider that this would be a good use of public money.
What will happen to the land where the Tihiotonga mast is situated?
RNZ currently leases the land the mast sits on. RNZ’s lease will come to an end following completion of the mast demolition and decommission of the site.
What are some of my other options for listening to RNZ?
Terrestrial/Satellite Freeview HD: RNZ National is Channel 50
Satellite TV: SKY Channel 421
Mobile phone: Download the free RNZ app for iOS or Android – rnz.co.nz/app
Internet: Listen live or download programmes for offline listening at www.rnz.co.nz
Or listen live on iHeartRadio www.iheart.com or ROVA www.rova.nz
