25 Feb 2020

RNZ Concert celebrates 87 years

From Morning Report, 6:18 am on 25 February 2020

Musicans from around the country took their instruments to the grounds of Parliament yesterday to celebrate the 87th birthday of RNZ Concert.

In one of the more soothing demonstrations seen at Parliament, they made the point they want to see the station celebrate many more anniversaries.

Earlier this month, RNZ management announced a restructure which would take Concert off FM and instead put on AM and streamed online as an automated service, to make way for a youth-focused service.

RNZ withdrew the plan after widespread opposition.

Seventeen-year-old school student Jess Jenkins, a violinist, took part in the birthday party and told RNZ reporter Jonathan Mitchell that RNZ Concert deserves a long successful future.

Finance Minister Grant Robertson spoke at yesterday's event - he said the Government is interested only in changes that enhance RNZ Concert.