Tahu FM, the voice of Ngāi Tahu heard throughout New Zealand and the world, has been named the top rating iwi radio station in New Zealand by the November Horizon Poll survey.
The Horizon Poll is run by Auckland-based company, Horizon Research, who specialise in online research.
Over 115,200 listeners have tuned into Tahu FM over the past year and with SKY listeners
Included, the total annual figure is 142,900 or 4.5% of the total adult New Zealand population.
Around 25,600 people listened to Tahu FM each week and the station’s general manager, Blade Jones says that while iwi station audiences have increased overall, Tahu FM numbers have increased most of all.
“We’re delighted that these results validate the format and strategic changes we’ve made over the past 18 months,” says Blade.
Tahu FM listeners are spread from the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South. Close to 50% of listeners are Māori, 25% Pacifica and 25% European/Pākehā.
In addition, the survey revealed that 48.5% of the audience live in households with a couple and two or more children; 38.7% of listeners earn $50,000 or over; and 62.9% earn more than $30,000.
The Tahu FM adult audience has increased by 14,900 or 15% since the last Horizon survey in May 2013. 34.7% of all listeners are aged between 25 and 34 and 70 per cent are between 25 and 54.
Tahu FM is local and proud. It began in 1991 and is operated by Ngāi Tahu Communications Ltd., a subsidiary of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. It is a member of the iwi radio network and the only iwi station in Te Waipounamu. The Horizon statistics are a welcome validation of the station’s bilingual format, broadcasting a wide range of content from a catch-up with Aunty down the road and discussion of local issues, to established and emerging New Zealand music trends.
Hinepounamu Rongonui.
he Tahu FM team from left, Rocky Roberts, Tumehe Rongonui, Sheree Waitoa aka Sista, Te Awhiroa Kuka-Sweet, Waipounamu Te Karu.
