The New Zealand government has announced a funding increase for Radio New Zealand International in the budget to be presented in parliament next week.
The broadcasting minister, Steve Maharey, says RNZI will be given an additional 85-thousand US dollar a year which is expected to increase its evening programmes for a Pacific audience.
The minister has also announced a funding package for National Radio to enable it to broadcast around the country on the FM frequency.
Mr Maharey says an additional 8 million US dollars will be allocated over four years for the technical upgrade and to cover the rising cost of core programmes.
