Waingawa transmission mast closure
In late January 2025 RNZ will be retiring its aging AM radio transmitter site at Waingawa.
The Waingawa site provides AM radio transmissions for the Wairarapa region on the 1071 AM frequency.
Listeners to RNZ National on the 1071 AM frequency will need to retune to either 101.5 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 1071 AM serves the rural Wairarapa area from Lake Ferry to Eketahuna, covering an area with approximately 36,000 people. The FM frequency (101.5 FM) operates in the more populous areas of Masterton, Carterton, Greytown and Featherston.
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 Waingawa mast was put up 60 years ago and predates the FM transmitter. At the time to increase AM frequency in suburban areas, infill sites like Waingawa were put up. Because FM is now servicing the more populated areas of the Wairarapa the Waingawa mast is no longer needed.
Why stop transmitting from the Waingawa mast now?
At 60 years old, the Waingawa 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 Waingawa 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 Waingawa mast is situated?
This land is privately owned with RNZ having an easement over the land for broadcasting purposes. This easement will cease.
What will happen to the 1071 AM frequency?
The closure of the Waingawa mast enables the 1071 AM frequency to be used at RNZ’s Wainui (Gisborne) site and as a lower frequency this will increase RNZ National coverage on the East Coast, improving resilience for one of New Zealand’s more remote regions.
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
