NZ’s public media funding agency NZ On Air is celebrating 30 years of reflecting our identity and culture – supporting content that allows us to see and hear New Zealand’s stories, in our voices.

Established with the Broadcasting Act 1989, the agency is funded by the government to invest in authentic NZ stories and songs.

In the past 30 years NZ On Air funding has generated:

• More than 26,000 hours of screen content, so supporting the independent production community to grow significantly.
• 4062 music singles and videos, and 222 albums, driving local music on commercial radio to around 18% currently.
• Supported community access radio to grow from five stations to 12, broadcasting and streaming content in more than 49 languages.

At a formal reception at Government House, Auckland, on July 16, the Governor-General, Her Excellency Dame Patsy Reddy and Minister of Broadcasting, Communications and Digital Media Hon. Kris Faafoi both congratulated NZ On Air on its achievements over three decades.

NZ On Air Chair Dr Ruth Harley, also the agency’s first Executive Director in 1989, reflected on why it matters to have local public media content that reflects New Zealanders.

“Diverse public media strengthens our identity, encourages civic engagement which supports democracy, and contributes to well-being. In short, when we are able to see and hear people like us we feel validated when we see into the lives of people different to us we understand them better.”

Guests at the Government House function were treated to a performance of three Kiwi classic songs by Che Fu, Julia Deans, Nathan King and Jason Kerrison, before bassist Jason Faafoi and his politician brother joined them on stage to perform Opshop’s 2007 hit One Day.