List of radio stations in Canterbury

This is a list of radio stations in Canterbury in New Zealand.

During October 2010, several FM radio stations changed frequencies as spacing was being standardised to 0.8 MHz. Frequency changes continue as broadcast licences are renewed. Most frequencies are now spaced 0.8 MHz apart, with the first station at a frequency of 88.9 MHz. Infill stations are allocated to the 0.4 MHz frequency in the buffer between two other stations.

The Canterbury earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 have allowed community stations to play a greater role in the Canterbury community. Compass FM 104.9 FM has existed as a not-for-profit community radio station in the North Canterbury area since June 2011. Several radio stations have also ceased operation as a result of the Canterbury earthquakes. In Lyttelton, for instance, Volcano Radio 88.5FM was broadcasting 80 shows commercial-free from February 2008, but the quakes damaged equipment and forced the building to be demolished. Shows on the station included Project Lyttelton, Monday Report, children's programme Lyttelease, classical music show Vienna Volcano, and old school metal and hard rock show The Molten Metal.[1][2]

Christchurch and North Canterbury stations

FM and AM

The following stations broadcast in the Christchurch area including Sumner and the Hurunui District.

Most high-power FM radio stations serving Christchurch broadcast from the Sugarloaf transmitter, located on the Port Hills due south of the central city. Stations broadcasting from this transmitter also serve the majority of the Canterbury Plains, as far south as the Rangitata River. The suburb of Sumner is served by infill FM transmitters located at Southshore and Sumner Head, as hills block the signal from Sugarloaf.

Frequency
[3]
Station[4]Location
[3]
Licensed power (kW)[3]Format[5]Airdate
[6]
Previous stations on frequency
88.9 FMThe EdgeSugarloaf32Contemporary hit radio2017Broadcast on 89.0FM prior to 2008
1999 - 2009 The Edge; 2010: George FM; 2011 - 2017: Mai FM
89.3 FMRadio HaurakiSumner0.016Alternative rock & Classic rock2009
89.7 FMRNZ ConcertSugarloaf80Classical music1984
90.1 FMCoastSouthshore0.8Classic hits2015
90.5 FMTahu FMSugarloaf16Urban contemporary & Iwi radio1991formerly Te Reo Iriraki O Otautahi, 90.5 Tahu FM, Mai FM
90.9 FMZMSumner0.016Contemporary hit radio2009ZM was previously on 89.2FM in Sumner
91.3 FMZMSugarloaf80Contemporary hit radio1986formerly ZMFM, 91ZM
91.7 FMGoldSumner (Tuawera Tce)0.08Classic rock1 July 20202015 - 30 June 2020: Mix
92.1 FMMore FMSugarloaf80Adult contemporary music1992
92.9 FMThe SoundSugarloaf50Classic rock2001formerly Solid Gold; 1986-2001: C93FM (formerly 93 Gold, Classic Hits 93FM)
93.3 FMFlavaSumner (Tuawera Tce)0.08Urban contemporaryJan 20232015 - 2020: Flava; 20 Jan 2020 - 12 Oct 2020: Pulzar FM; Oct 2020 - Jan 2023: Anthemz[7]
93.7 FMThe RockSugarloaf80Active rock19991992 - 1999: Radio Pacific
94.1 FMLife FMSumner (Tuawera Tce)0.08Contemporary Christian musicSept 2023
94.5 FMThe BreezeSugarloaf32Adult contemporary music1998formerly Lite FM; 1994 - 1998: Easy Listening i94.5
94.9 FMMore FMSouthshore0.8Adult contemporary music1992Broadcast on 95.3FM prior to 2009
95.3 FMGeorge FMSugarloaf32Dance music1 May 20232009 - 2017: The Edge; 2017 - 20/03/2022: Mai FM on 106.8 FM; 21/03/2022 - 30/03/2023: Today FM
96.1 FMBassline 96.1[8]Sugarloaf16R&B and Funk13 May 2024Previous NZ Broadcasting School programmes: Waves 96.1, Rewind 96.1,[9] 3/05-24/11/2021 Fever FM,[10] Tracks 96.1, The 96.1, OKBoomer, The Garage, Rift, Basement, Embr, Summit, Chalk, Jacked, The Attic, Mode, Alpha, Splat, Blush
96.5 FMThe HitsSouthshore0.32Adult contemporary music2006formerly Classic Hits 97.7
96.9 FMPlains FMSugarloaf5Access Radio1988
97.7 FMThe HitsSugarloaf80Adult contemporary music1991formerly B98 FM, Classic Hits
98.5 FMRDU 98.5synchronous transmission
Marleys Hill, Ilam (backup transmitter), Sumner Head
1.6
0.16
0.01
Campus radio Alternative culture1986Broadcast on 90.5FM from 1986-1988 and 98.3FM from 1988-2002
previously Radio U, UFM
99.3 FMMagicSugarloaf32Oldies30 Dec 20191991-1992 99 More FM (moved to 92.1 FM); 1993-1997: Life 99.3FM, 1997-1999: Southern Star; 1999-2005: Channel Z, 2005–2006: Kiwi FM; 2006-2019: Radio Live (simulcast on 99.3 FM and 738 AM since 2006 but moved to 99.3 FM since 2015); Jan - 30 Dec 2019: Magic Talk (moved to 738 AM as at 30 Dec 2019)
99.7 FMRNZ ConcertSouthshore0.32Classical music1984Broadcast on 99.9FM prior to 2010
100.1 FMNewstalk ZBSugarloaf5Talk radio2011
100.5 FMThe BreezeLyttelton0.1Adult contemporary music2021Magic Talk, Magic Music
100.5 FMBrian FM[11]Sumner (Tuawera Tce)0.08Adult hitsSep 2021
100.9 FMAnthemzHuntsbury Hill5Classic alternative16 May 20232008-2020: Voice of South Pole;[12] 28/09/2020 - 13/05/2023: Pulzar FM
101.7 FMRNZ NationalSugarloaf16Public radio2004
103.7 FMCompass FMCheviot (Beltana)0.8Classic hits
103.7 FMCompass FMHanmer (Wallace Peak)0.32Classic hits
104.1 FMPMN 531Sugarloaf16Pacific radioJan 20192010-2019: Niu FM
104.5 FMMore FMLyttelton0.1Adult contemporary music2021
104.9 FMCompass FM 104.9Rangiora (Mt Grey)2Community radio2011
105.7 FMCoastHuntsbury Hill5Classic hits3 Aug 20202009[13] 2009-2020: Pulzar FM; 20/01 - 02/08/2020: C105.7
106.1 FMBrian FMHanmer (Wallace Peak)1.58Adult hits18/05/2022
106.5 FMRadio HaurakiSugarloaf16Alternative rock & Classic rock2008
540 AMRhemaPhilpotts Rd3.2Christian music20152011 - 2015: The Word
612 AMStarPhilpotts Rd10Christian musicRhema
675 AMRNZ NationalGebbies Pass63Public radio3YA (3YA was also broadcast on 980, 720[14] and 690 kHz prior to Nov 1978)
738 AMThe BreezeMarshland16Easy listening31/03/20231999-2005: Radio Pacific; 2005-2015: Radio Live (simulcast on 99.3 FM and 738 AM since 2006 but moved to 99.3 FM from 2015 until 30 Dec 2019); Jan - 30 Dec 2019: Magic Music (moved to 99.3 FM as at 30 Dec 2019); 30/12/2019 - 20/03/2022: Magic Talk; 21/03/2022 - 30/03/2023: Today FM
963 AMAM Network & StarGebbies Pass32Christian music1990s
1017 AMNewstalk ZBPhilpotts Rd6.3Talk radio20112000 - 2002: Canterbury On Air, Now AM; 2003 - 2010: Radio Hauraki
1098 AMNewstalk ZBBottle Lake16Talk radio1994Until 1994: 3ZB
1260 AMSENZMarshland6.3Sports radio19/07/20211973 - 1990: Radio Avon; 1990 - 1999: C93FM; 1999 - 2001: Solid Gold; 2001 - 2004: Lite FM; 2004 - 2005 The Breeze; 2005 - 2007: Radio Pacific/Trackside;
2007 - 2010: BSport/Radio Trackside; 2010 - 2015: LiveSport/Radio Trackside; 2015 - 2020: TAB Trackside
1413 AMRadio FerrymeadFerrymead Park0.32Oldies1980s
1503 AMGold SportBottle Lake16Classic hits & Sports radio1 July 20201980s - mid 1990s: New Zealand's Rhema; 1994 - March 2020: Radio Sport formerly Sports Roundup; 30 March - 30 June 2020: Newstalk ZB
1593 AMCoastPhilpotts Rd16Classic hits2004Late 1990s: 88 Country, 2001 - 2003: The Wolf; 2003 - 2004: Easy Listening i

There are a number of LPFM stations that are operating, or have operated, whose broadcast range may be less than that of the full-power FM stations.

FrequencyStationLocationFormatAirdatePrevious stations on frequency
87.6 FMLife FMChristchurchContemporary Christian music2011
87.8 FMPower Hit FM [15]ChristchurchHit Music, Pop Music, Dance Music2005
87.9 FMThe Basement [16]RangioraAdult hits2023Radio La Famia, Ashgrove FM
88.0 FMAnthemzChristchurchUrban contemporary12 Oct 2020Country FM, 2011: Shakey FM, Rollywood FM, 2013-2020: Flava
20 Jan 2020 - 12 Oct 2020: Pulzar FM
88.1 FMHarmony FMRiccartonChristian radio2010
88.3 FMThe FridgeChristchurchStudent radio2018Rollywood FM,[17] The Wave[18]
88.3 FMRacing CommentaryChristchurchEuromarque Motorsport Park2009
106.8 FMMai FMSugarloafUrban contemporary21/03/2022
106.9 FMGospel RadioKaiapoiCommunity radio
106.9 FMLife FMRangioraContemporary Christian music
107.0 FMSeaside Sounds[19]New Brighton, New ZealandCommunity2020New Brighton Wassup
107.0 FMThunder FM[20]Rolleston/LincolnContemporary hit radio
107.3 FMXS80's [21]Huntsbury Hill1980s2015
107.3 FMGospel RadioKaiapoiCommunity Radio1998
107.4 FM1074BFM [22]Waitikiri Burwood North East70s, 80s, 90s2018
107.5 FMRadio Addington[23]Addington2010
107.5 FMRadio Redwood[24]Redwood
107.5 FMPractice FMCBD, NZ Broadcasting SchoolVarious
107.5 FMSouthbrook FM[25]Southbrook SchoolStudent radio
107.7 FMJust FM[26]Kaiapoi1998
107.7 FMChizzySoundz[27]Chisnallwood Intermediate School2010
107.7 FMRotten Radio[28]Lyttelton2013: Flava
107.7 FMAnthemzChristchurchUrban contemporary12 Oct 202020 Jan 2020 - 12 Oct 2020: Pulzar FM
StreamingDawnFM[29]Haeata Community Campus2019internet only station

Banks Peninsula Stations

The following stations broadcast in Akaroa or the Banks Peninsula area.

Frequency
[3]
StationFormat[5]Location
(transmitter)[3]
Licensed
power (kW)[3]
AirdatePrevious stations on frequency
90.3 FMAkaroa RadioAkaroa
91.1 FMAkaroa RadioHilltop
95.1 FMRNZ ConcertClassical musicMt Pearce1.25
95.9 FMXS80s1980sLong Bay Road
99.1 FMMore FMAdult hitsMt Pearce0.8
107.3 FMLPFMAkaroaBay Radio[30]

Mid Canterbury Stations

The following stations broadcast in the Ashburton or Mid Canterbury area.

Frequency
[3]
Station[4]Format[5]Location
[3]
Licensed
power
(kW)[3]
Airdate
[6]
Previous stations on frequency
89.3 FMThe HitsAdult contemporary musicAshburton (Somerset House)0.162001formerly known as Classic Hits, 3ZE
91.7 FMLife FMContemporary Christian musicAshburton0.16
92.5 FMHokonuiAdult contemporary musicAshburton (Winchmore)820142001 - 2014: The Hits (formerly known as Classic Hits, 3ZE)
93.3 FMThe EdgeContemporary hit radioAshburton (Electricity Ashburton)0.162002
94.1 FMMt Hutt RadioMt Hutt Ski Field0.16
94.9 FMMore FMAdult contemporary musicAshburton (Surrey Hills)828/04/2018Port FM, Fox FM
95.7 FMThe SoundClassic rockAshburton (Electricity Ashburton)0.162002formerly Solid Gold
96.5 FMHokonuiAdult contemporary musicAshburton (Somerset House)0.162001 - 2014: The Hits (formerly known as Classic Hits, 3ZE)
97.3 FMThe RockActive rockAshburton (Electricity Ashburton)0.162002
98.1 FMNewstalk ZBTalk radioAshburton (Somerset House)0.16
98.9 FMMore FMAdult contemporary musicAshburton (Electricity Ashburton)0.1628/04/2018Port FM, Fox FM
99.7 FMBrian FMAdult hitsAshburton (Gawler Downs)8
101.3 FMRNZ NationalPublic radioAshburton (Gawler Downs)82004
103.7 FMMagicOldiesAshburton (Electricity Ashburton)0.162017
105.3 FMBrian FMAdult hitsMt Hutt0.32March 2020Can be heard in Christchurch and North Canterbury.
106.1 FMThe BreezeAdult contemporary musicAshburton (Electricity Ashburton)0.1620182017 - March 2018 XS80s
702 AMGold SportClassic hits & Sports radioAshburton (Winchmore)01/07/2020Until March 2020: Radio Sport; 30/03 - 30/06/2020: Newstalk ZB
873 AMNewstalk ZBTalk radioAshburton (Winchmore)2001Until 2001: 3ZE
1071 AMSENZSports radioAshburton (Winchmore)19/07/2021TAB Trackside

South Canterbury Stations

The following stations broadcast from the South Canterbury area including the Mackenzie District, Waimate District and Timaru

Frequency
[3]
Station[4]Format[5]Location
(transmitter)[3]
Licensed
power
(kW)[3]
Airdate
[6]
Previous stations on frequency
87.7 FMWaimate Community Radio[31]Music from 50's to nowWaimate
88.0 FMHospital FM[32]LPFMTimaru
88.4 FMno longer licensed LPFMTimaruHospital FM
88.6 FMMagicOldiesFairlie
89.1 FMTahu FMUrban contemporary & Iwi radioTimaru (Cave Hill)52000
89.4 FMMore FMAdult contemporary musicTwizel128/04/20182017 - 2018: Port FM
89.9 FMThe BreezeAdult contemporary musicTimaru (Mt Horrible)820181992 - March 2018: Radio Live
90.2 FMHospital FMFairlie0.1
90.7 FMThe SoundClassic rockTimaru (Tower Corp Building)0.1
90.9 FMMore FMAdult contemporary musicOmarama (Cloud Hill)0.0528/04/2018Port FM
91.0 FMThe RockActive rockTwizel (Mt Mary)20/03/2022: Magic Talk; 21/03/2022 - 30/03/2023: Today FM
91.5 FMThe RockActive rockTimaru (Mt Horrible)82001
91.8 FMRadio RhemaChristian radioTwizel (ECNZ)1
92.3 FMThe BreezeAdult contemporary musicTimaru (Tower Corp Building)0.1The Edge, The Groove, The Heat FM
92.6 FMRNZ NationalPublic radioTwizel (Mt Mary)0.08
93.1 FMMore FMAdult contemporary musicTimaru (Tower Corp Building)

Waimate (Mt Ellen)

0.128/04/2018Port FM
93.4 FMRNZ NationalPublic radioTekapo (Mt John)0.1
93.9 FMBrian FMAdult hitsTimaru (Cave Hill)1April 2018
94.2 FMMore FMAdult contemporary musicTwizel (Mt Mary)0.528/04/2018Port FM
94.7 FMThe HitsAdult contemporary musicTimaru (Rhodestown)
95.0 FMMore FMAdult contemporary musicFairlie (Mt Michael)1.628/04/2018Port FM
95.5 FMThe EdgeContemporary hit radioTimaru (Mt Horrible)82001
95.8 FMRadio TwizelCommunity radioTwizel0.08
96.3 FMZMContemporary hit radioTimaru (Cave Hill)52004
97.1 FMThe SoundClassic rockTimaru (Mt Horrible)82001formerly Solid Gold
97.3 FMRNZ NationalPublic radioOmarama (Cloud Hill)0.008
97.4 FMBrian FMAdult hitsFairlie1.0
97.9 FMMore FMAdult contemporary musicTimaru (Mt Horrible)828/04/2018Port FM
98.7 FMThe HitsAdult contemporary musicTimaru (Mt Studholme)3.21995formerly Classic Hits, 99FM, Radio Caroline
Broadcasting on 99.0FM prior to 2010
98.9 FMThe BreezeAdult contemporary musicOmarama (Cloud Hill)0.0528/04/2018The Edge
99.5 FMRNZ ConcertClassical musicTimaru (Mt Studholme)5
99.8 FMThe BreezeAdult contemporary music (1980s-2010s)Twizel (Mt Mary)1
100.3 FM100.3FM South Canterbury80's 90's 2000's AnthemsTimaru (Cave Hill)2.52018Kiwi access 100.3
101.1 FMRNZ NationalPublic radioTimaru (Mt Studholme)3.2
103.5 FMMagicOldiesTimaru (Mt Horrible)82017
104.3 FMRadio RhemaChristian radioTimaru (Cave Hill)5
104.5 FMBrian FMAdult hitsOmarama0.120182014-2018: High Country FM
104.6 FMThe SoundClassic rockFairlie (Mt Michael)1.6
105.1 FMLife FMContemporary Christian musicTimaru (Cave Hill)5
105.4 FMBrian FMAdult hitsTwizel (Mt Mary)0.522/12/2020Previously 99.0 FM March 2020 to 22/12/2020
The Hits (formerly Classic Hits, 99FM, Radio Caroline)
105.9 FMChannel XClassic alternativeTimaru (Mt Horrible)808/05/20232017 - March 2018: XS80s; 20/03/2022: Magic Talk; 21/03/2022 - 30/03/2023: Today FM
106.2 FM100.3 South Canterbury80's 90's 2000'sFairlie0.04
106.7 FMJust Country FMLPFMTimaru
107.0 FM100.3 FM South CanterburyTimaruXS80s
107.5 FMHospital FMLPFMTimaru
107.7 FM100.3 FM South Canterbury also on 107.0
594 AMSouthern StarChristian radioTimaru (St Andrews)
918 AMRNZ NationalPublic radioTimaru (Fairview)
981 AMTimaru (St Andrews)2015 - Southern Star
2018: Coast
1152 AMNewstalk ZBTalk radioTimaru (Fairview)20011949 - 2001: Radio Caroline, Classic Hits 99FM
1242 AMSENZSports radioTimaru (Fairview)19/07/20212005 - 2020: TAB Trackside formerly LiveSport, BSport, Radio Pacific
1494 AMGold SportClassic hits & Sports radioTimaru (St Andrews)01/07/2020Until March 2020: Radio Sport
30/03 - 30/06/2020: Newstalk ZB

References