New Zealand radio stations accepting music submissions

New Zealand radio has real room for independent music, and almost all of it is outside commercial radio. Two networks do the work: the student stations, which have championed alternative and local music for decades, and the community access stations, a group of twelve volunteer-driven broadcasters supported by NZ On Air. The directory lists 15 New Zealand stations; here is how they work and how to approach them.

Student radio: start here

The student stations are the backbone of alternative music in New Zealand, and they are specific about what they want.

95bFM in Auckland has broadcast since 1969 and calls itself the country's oldest corporate-free broadcaster, dedicated to alternative music and independent journalism. It wants a FLAC or WAV file plus a streaming link. RadioActive.FM in Wellington was founded in 1977 as a student station and is known for a long commitment to independent music. Radio Control 99.4FM broadcasts 100% alternative student radio around the clock from Massey University's Manawatū campus in Palmerston North, with a focus on fresh, emerging local music and live studio captures.

In the South Island, Radio One 91FM at the University of Otago in Dunedin prioritizes independent artists and locally produced music, and its music director publishes a guide to getting airplay on alternative radio. RDU 98.5FM in Ōtautahi Christchurch is a not-for-profit student station that has championed emerging talent for more than 45 years, and asks for a streaming link plus a high-quality download.

Independent online and alternative stations

The Most FM 100.4 in New Plymouth is a Taranaki community and alternative station supported by NZ On Air, mixing New Zealand and international music and hosting live-lounge sessions. Artists submit single tracks through a form that asks for both a streaming link and a download link.

Kiwiradio.nz is an independently run online station based in Auckland, built around local indie and alternative music plus overseas indie acts trying to reach New Zealand listeners. It hand-picks what it plays and takes free submissions as MP3 through the form on its FAQ page. It also sells paid feature packages, so be clear which route you are using; the free one is real.

Community access radio: local, generous and New Zealand-first

New Zealand's twelve access stations exist to give airtime to their communities, and many of them back that up with real support for local music.

Wellington Access Radio 106.1FM has a dedicated submit-your-music page with an upload form and a named staff contact, and says it plays New Zealand music as often as it can. Arrow FM 92.7 in Masterton, the Wairarapa's only access station, runs an exclusively New Zealand music playlist between its programs, alongside shows such as Back Porch Bluegrass. Coast Access Radio 104.7FM, serving Kāpiti and Horowhenua, carries music shows including Blues Train, an hour of blues, soul, funk, gospel and jazz.

Further south, OAR FM in Dunedin has several programs focused on local music, including shows spotlighting Dunedin musicians and the region's roots, folk and country scene. Radio Southland 96.4 FM runs a weekday breakfast show mixing electronic, dance and hip-hop, and a program called Sounds of Southland that spotlights local musicians and bands. Free FM in Hamilton runs more than 80 volunteer-made shows a week, Fresh FM serves Nelson, Tasman, Golden Bay and Blenheim, and Radio Hawke's Bay gives airtime to more than 80 volunteer broadcasters.

Access stations are program-led. Look at the schedule, find the host whose show fits your music, and write to them directly through the station.

How to pitch New Zealand stations

Say where you are from in the first line. New Zealand artists have a real advantage on these stations, and several play New Zealand music as a priority; if you are based overseas, explain why your music belongs on that particular show. Follow each station's stated format: 95bFM wants a lossless file with a streaming link, RDU and The Most FM want both a stream and a download, and Kiwiradio.nz takes MP3. Pitch one track, keep the note short, and send a properly tagged file.

Register so the airplay pays

Airplay in New Zealand pays on two sides: APRA AMCOS for songwriters and publishers, and Recorded Music NZ for recordings. Register before the plays start, or through your home society if you are based outside New Zealand.

Build the list a few stations at a time

Start with the student and independent stations that match your sound, add the access stations whose shows fit, and work through the 15 New Zealand stations in the directory a few at a time.