Editorial: Station sure to rise from the ashes

The Tautoko FM building in Mangamuka was destroyed by a fire.

The sounds that emanate from what is Northland's first iwi radio station can be heard around the Far North.

This week, flames from the station could be seen from several kilometres away.

The Tautoko FM building in Mangamuka began to burn down just before 7pm on Monday. Broadcasting ceased - but today they were due back on air, broadcasting from a caravan.

Power in Mangamuka ceased too, but was hoped to back on in time for dinner last night.

The studio, broadcast equipment and offices were destroyed.

But not the spirit of the people who bring the station alive each day.

It is run by the Te Whare Awhina o Te Iwi Charitable Trust.

"It could be seen as a setback, but we see it as a new start. We want to rebuild our whare and expand our services based around our vision," says trust chairman Hori Chapman.

And the trust is keen to rebuild in Mangamuka, to re-establish its roots.

Spare a thought too, for the 20 volunteer firefighters who stopped other buildings from being lost in Mangamuka - another rebuild would hurt in the small town on SH1 between Okaihau and Kaitaia.

Their skill in saving other buildings and the positive attitude of the trust should be applauded.