Stoke transmission mast closure
In late March 2025 RNZ will be retiring its aging AM radio transmitter site at Stoke.
The Stoke site provides AM radio transmissions for the rural Nelson Tasman region on the 1116 AM frequency.
Listeners to RNZ National on the 1116 AM frequency will need to re-tune by 31 March 2025 to either 101.6 FM or 567 AM to continue to listen to RNZ National.
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 1116 AM serves parts of North Nelson, inland areas of Tasman including Upper Moutere and Dovedale and some parts of Golden Bay. The frequency covers an area of approximately 90,000 listeners. The FM frequency (101.6 FM) operates in the more populous areas of Nelson City, Richmond, Brightwater, Wakefield, Mapua and Motueka.
Because of overlapping signals this area is already able to receive RNZ National on 567 AM through the Titahi Bay transmitter. The map below shows this coverage with the lighter green representing suburban grade AM signal and the darker green, rural grade AM signal.
Will there be areas where AM coverage will be lost?
We do not believe so. Our modelling shows 100% coverage in this area from other broadcast AM/FM sites. 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 Stoke mast was put up 75 years ago and predates the FM transmitter. At the time to increase AM frequency in suburban areas, infill sites like Stoke were put up. Because FM is now servicing the more populated areas of Nelson-Tasman the Stoke mast is no longer needed.
Why stop transmitting from the Stoke mast now?
At 75 years old, the Stoke 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 Stoke 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 Stoke mast is situated?
RNZ owns just over 7 hectares of land in Saxton Field. Most of this is currently leased back for sports field use with a small amount fenced off for the safe operation of the transmission mast. Once the mast is brought down, RNZ will be looking to sell the site as it is no longer needed by RNZ. We will be consulting with adjacent landowners.
Where is the mast located and how will the mast be safely brought down?
The RNZ Stoke site is in the middle of Saxton Field, a 65-hectar sport and recreation park, managed jointly by Nelson City Council and Tasman District Council. The mast was erected at a time when Saxton Field was largely farmland and before the sports fields were built around it. Initial calculations indicate that the mast can be safely brought down within the perimeter of the site, within the mast paddock boundary. This may require the temporary closure of some of the surrounding playing fields, but this will be managed in conjunction with Saxton Field.
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
