Martin Devlin fronts new-look Radio Hauraki

Controversial personality Martin Devlin has been announced as the host of the new-look Radio Hauraki morning show launching on January 7.

Hauraki's Content Director Mike McClung says "yes he's been on both sides of the news but he's also one of New Zealand's most awarded and recognised sports broadcasters so we're rapt he's switched radio networks. Love him or hate him, Devlin is in your face, opinionated, witty and, unbeknownst to many, knows his music genres as well as his cricket shots."

McClung says Hauraki, the original "rebel radio station", is moving toward a greater focus on regional New Zealand.

"While it's been a lot of things and the focus has been very Auckland, more and more we see the provinces of Northland, Hawkes Bay, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Manawatu and Taranaki in the north as a priority and Southland, Otago, Canterbury and Marlborough in the south."

"There are a lot of great events that happen throughout New Zealand and we've keen to get the Radio Hauraki Team, particularly Devlin, to these regions so they are interacting with their listeners."

Devlin, who became a music jock in Wellington in the early 1990s, says he can't wait to get back in the studio and is looking forward to hosting a show again.

"Let's face it I just love talking especially when it's something I am passionate about like music or sport. I've been involved in a number of start-up radio stations and so while Hauraki is far from that, it does have a new face, a new approach to the music and a new look to it. Our listeners are passionate, die-hard music fans and the team and I are keen to deliver them the goods."

McClung says Devlin will be joined on the breakfast show by Laura McGoldrick, currently host of Sky TV's cricket coverage.

"Martin and Laura have become fast friends, bonding over a shared love of the inner workings of New Zealand Cricket. We can't wait to unleash them on the public."

Joining them in the new Hauraki lineup are Angelina Boyd (Days), Greg Prebble (Afternoons), Matt Heath and The General (Drive), Mikey Havoc (Nights).