First all-NZ music station launches

New Zealand musicians past and present gathered in Auckland last night for the launch of Kiwi, the country's first radio station to play 100 per cent local music.

The mood was one of jubilation as old timers such as Jordan Luck of Exponents fame and former Mockers frontman Andrew Fagan joined fresher faces Deja Voodoo, Goldenhorse, goodshirt, Tadpole, Shihad and others at the launch at Mt Eden Bowling Club.

Prime Minister Helen Clark declared the station live at 7pm amid loud cheers from a crowd fuelled on good old-fashioned handles of beer.

She said it was appropriate the launch was held on Waitangi Day, which "should be about celebrating being a Kiwi".

The fact that radio stations already played 18.5 per cent New Zealand music - close to the voluntary 20 per cent quota - showed the quality of local bands, but dedicating a radio station to 100 per cent local music was "really leading-edge".

"It could well be a world first," she said.

Kiwi is owned by CanWest MediaWorks, which owns television channels TV3 and C4, and radio stations The Edge, The Rock, More FM, Solid Gold and Radio Pacific.

Chief executive Brent Impey said the new station was in tune with Government policy that required broadcasting programming to have a local focus and be diverse. "That's what Kiwi is all about," he said.

Rodney Fisher of goodshirt said the diversity of New Zealand bands often meant they failed to secure airtime on other stations.

"A lot of radio stations are specific to certain types of music or certain production styles."

He said Kiwi would give these bands more exposure. "They'll be able to break into the public and other radio stations will be able to pick them up."

Jordan Luck said radio stations had always played local music.

"But what's magic about this Aotearoa beast is that it's 100 per cent Kiwi."

Karyn Hay, former host of 1980s music video show Radio With Pictures, presents the breakfast show from 6am to 9am. She said 20 years ago no one could imagine a commercially viable radio station playing only New Zealand music.

A guest presenter will join Hay on her show each week, starting with her long-time partner Andrew Fagan in the first week and actor Temuera Morrison in the second week.

Tadpole singer Renee Brennan and Juice TV presenter Bruce Earwaker host the afternoon show from 3pm to 7pm.

Other hosts include Opshop singer Jason Kerrison, Shihad singer Jon Toogood and actress Danielle Cormack, who is likely to develop a roots music show.

Programme director Grant Hislop said he felt pressure to get the station's music mix right but had no shortage of songs to choose from.

"We are dedicated to showcasing the best of New Zealand music and will not shy away from breaking new acts and celebrating what is quintessentially ours as a country," he said.

Kiwi broadcasts on the former Channel Z frequencies, 93.8FM Auckland, 91.7 FM Wellington and 99.3 FM Christchurch.

Sky Digital subscribers can tune in on Sky channel 100.

Online streams for New Zealand listeners are available at www.kiwifm.co.nz, with plans to extend this worldwide.