The History Books:
How it all started…
RadioActive.FM began life as the student radio station for Victoria University of Wellington Students’ Association (VUWSA) first broadcasting in August 1977, on 1260kHz AM.
At 7PM, On February 22, 1982, Radio Active became the first radio station in Wellington, and the second in New Zealand, to (legally) broadcast FM, at 89MHz.
Today, RadioActive.FM is the longest serving FM broadcaster in New Zealand.
In 1992, concerned with the station’s financial future, VUWSA voted to close Radio Active.
A group of DJs pitched in to purchase the station from the Students’ Association, and continued to operate 89FM.
In 1996, Radio Active was one of the first radio stations in the world to commence online broadcasting, and one of the first to have a stream available 24/7.
In 1998, the station moved off campus, to join Wellington’s creative communities in the central city – creating popular events such as the long-running “One Love” Waitangi Day festival, and music video awards night: “Handle The Jandal”.
In 2017, the Radio Active Charitable Trust was formed to oversee the station. The trustees represent many of Wellington’s creative communities.
RadioActive.FM is proudly part of the Student Radio Network (SRN) along with 95bFM, Radio Control, RDU and Radio One.
Each year, the Mighty Aotearoa Alternative Awards celebrate the best in alternative music!
Want to learn more about RadioActive.FM? Check out our 45th Anniversary gallery, or the article by our friends over at AudioCulture. (or give us a call – we’re always happy to hear from you!)
Do you have any treasures from Active’s past?
Posters, recordings, photos, anything and everything – get in touch with archive@radioactive.fm
We regularly receive feedback from people tuning in from every corner of the globe. Everybody from Wellington expats to musicians and producers that have experienced our good vibes during their travels!
With a highly talented pool of over 100 volunteer DJs/Announcers, some of whom have been with the station for over 40 years, RadioActive.FM is renowned for the wide variety of interesting music that it plays.
The specialist shows throughout the week cater for a truly eclectic range of sub-genres. From African Samba to Swedish Metal – our specialist DJs know their stuff, and cover all bases.
Leadership:
Radio Active FM Ltd. (RadioActive.FM | 88.6FM) is owned by the Radio Active Charitable Trust.
More information can be found on the Charities Register.
Trustees:
Ross Steele
Chairman.
Director, Radio Active FM Ltd.
John Pilley
Solid Air Productions
Director, Radio Active FM Ltd.
Andy Mitchell
Councillor, Hutt City Council
Director, Radio Active FM Ltd.
Brigid Connor
Wētā FX
Yadana Saw
Councillor, Greater Wellington Regional Council
Leon Baldock
DJ Coda
Nina Lesperance
New Zealand On Air
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