About Us

 
 
 

Mai Nga Kuri a Wharei ki te awa o Wairakei, mai nga maunga ki te moana, ko te reo irirangi o Tauranga Moana e mihi atu nei, tihei Mauriora!

 
 
 
Moana Radio broadcasts from Tauranga on two frequencies, 98.2FM and 1440AM. This allows us to reach an audience from Katikati to Opotiki on 1440AM, and from Katikati to Pukehina on 98.2FM. We also have an international audience via online streaming at  www.moanaradio.co.nz. This allows our expatriate Tauranga whanau to stay in touch with their community, wherever they are in world. 
 
Moana proudly serves the Tauranga Rohe, providing diverse programming and an extensive community presence. 
Moana is here to present, promote and preserve Te Reo & Te Ao Maori, and push the kaupapa that reflects the foundations of our Iwi and Hapu. Tauranga Moana, Tauranga Tangata is more than a positioning statement to us – it is our Station’s Identity. 
 
Under the governance of the 3 Iwi in Tauranga - Ngati Ranginui, Ngai Te Rangi & Ngati Pukenga, Moana 98.2 FM & 1440 AM is loud, proud and local. Our biggest point of difference, though, is that we are; by, for and about Tauranga Moana!
 
A Brief History of Moana Radio
In 1989 a Radio Comittee under the Tauranga Moana Maori District Council was established, with a vision to  establish a radio station for the local Maori audience. In 1990, the Ministry of Commerce granted a licence to the three Iwi Runanga for the 1440 AM frequency. "Te Reo o Tauranga Moana" was launched at Hungahungatoroa  Marae on Sunday 3rd February 1991. 
 
In March 1991, the station secured permanent residency at 3 Harington Street, Tauranga - overlooking the Moana. In 1995, the decision was made to shorten the name simply to 'Moana AM.'
 
In January 1997, the station upgraded after a digitalized broadcast automation system was purchased and funded by Te Mangai Paho, ditching the old school system you can see on your right.
 
In September 2000, "Te Reo Irirangi o Tauranga Moana Charitable Trust" was formed, and the board of trustees operate as the Executive Board for Moana Communications. There are nine trustess in total, made up of a representation of three members from each iwi of Tauranga - Ngati Ranginui, Ngai Te Rangi and Ngati Pukenga. 
 
In November 2001 the station relocated from its Harington Street premises to its current location on Wharf Street in Tauranga's CBD - a mere two streets away, but into an office with much more space. Enough space infact, to fit two radio stations!

In November 2003, Tahi FM was launched on 98.2FM - with a Rangatahi focus, and an urban format to appeal to a younger target audience. It was intended to operate as a corporate arm for Moana Communications - and did so successfully until their closedown in 2011. 
 
It was decided that the station would rebrand, and create a new, modern sound that reflects the taste and values of our audience, while maintaining its focus on the promotion of Te Re - all tailored to a Tauranga Moana audience. Thus, Moana 98.2FM was established, combining an urban contemporary/soul sound with the promotion of tikanga and Te Reo Maori, thorugh specific local and national syndicated shows. For more information flick over to our schedule page, or listen live to experience Moana Radio for yourself. Mauriora!