AWA FM

Started in 1991 to promote the Maori language in the Whanganui dialect to the whole Whanganui Region, from the mountains in the Central Plateau to the sea through Whanganui City. Show more We began training announcers on a government funded scheme in 1990 and Joe Reo (our first Manager) made his garage available and amassed a collection of very basic equipment to work on. Te Reo Irirangi O Whanganui (Awa FM) officially opened its own premises and began broadcasting on the 17th of June 1991. In the opening address we encouraged announcers to remain true to the mita (distinct dialect) of Whanganui iwi. A year later we developed a link to our relatives in Ngati Rangi via a small unit in Ohakune. They were called Nga Iwi FM and the link lasted about 12 months. We now broadcast throughout our rohe (tribal boundaries) as depicted in the map on this page.