Radio

For much of radio history 'The voice of the people of the land' is only given token recognition; yet Māori entertainers and personalities have enhanced radio from the beginning. Audio

We launch a National Orchestra in 1946 and adopt the BBC's Third programme model to showcase music, arts and letters. Audio

Technical and programme innovation along with a broadening cultural role for radio mark the post-war years. Audio

The ugly sisters of government control, newspaper interests and public apathy hold back an independent news service until 1962. But within a few years the 'Cinderella Service' becomes the belle of the… Audio

We demonstrate a voracious appetite for overseas-produced soap operas but we also make drama which wins awards around the world. Audio

The Labour government's take-over of radio in 1936 sets an agenda of expansion interrupted only by war. Audio

From the earliest days sports broadcasters exploit radio's immediacy. Add advances in technology and talkback, and sport becomes a hugely popular radio mainstay. Audio

We quickly embrace the first electronic mass-medium. A few hundred wire-fiddling enthusiasts in the early 1920s grow, even through the depression years, to 152,000 licence holders by 1935. Audio

The Prime Minister, Michael Joseph Savage, delivers a speech at the opening of the 2YA transmitter in Wellington. He talks about the historical significance of radio technology and the significance… Audio, Gallery