Chinese Radio Stations in New Zealand
New Zealand's diverse media landscape includes several dedicated Chinese-language radio stations that serve as vital links between the local community and their cultural homelands. From Cantonese-focused broadcasts to Mandarin-language news and state-sponsored programming, these stations provide essential news, entertainment, and public service information to thousands of residents.
Love FM 99.4
Love FM 99.4 (Chinese: FM99.4中文電台) is a station primarily targeting Cantonese-speaking listeners from Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, southern China, and Southeast Asia. The station has a history of evolution, starting as "Real Good Life" in 2003 on 95.8 FM. After The Radio Network acquired that frequency for Flava in 2009, the station transitioned to 99.4 FM and was officially renamed Chinese Radio FM 99.4 in 2014.
The station caters to a wide demographic, offering specialized programming for young adults, professionals, homemakers, and retirees. Its content is a blend of local New Zealand coverage—including major news events and elections—and high-quality imports from Hong Kong.
Programming and Content
Love FM 99.4 features a variety of talk shows, documentaries, and music. Key local programs include the breakfast show "Hello New Zealand" (starting at 7am) and the afternoon drive show "News & Lifestyle" (starting at 3pm). Other regular segments include Let’s Talk About News, NZ Life, and A Different View. The station is hosted by a team including Bryan Chan, Michael, Queenie Chan, Yvonne Chan, John, and Benny.
Content Partnerships
A significant portion of the station's entertainment and cultural content is supplied by Commercial Radio Hong Kong, including the Ultimate Chart Show and popular serials like 17/F Block C. Additionally, the station sources content from the Metro Broadcast Corporation across its six specialized channels and relays public radio programs from Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK), a government department known for its editorial independence.
AM936
AM936, also known as New Supremo, holds the distinction of being New Zealand's only Mandarin-language radio station. Established in February 2004, it serves a community where approximately 45,000 people speak northern dialects like Mandarin, including 10,000 who speak Chinese exclusively.
Local Integration and Simulcasting
AM936 blends imported music and talk programming from China with locally produced content focusing on migrant issues, political developments, and interactions with New Zealand Government agencies. The station broadcasts over 70 hours of local content weekly.
Two of its flagship shows, the breakfast show I Love New Zealand (7am) and the drive show Newstalk Today (3pm), are simulcast on Freeview channel TV28. This multi-platform approach allows the Chinese community to voice opinions and helps the wider New Zealand public engage with Chinese culture.
Global Sourcing
To provide a comprehensive worldview, AM936 sources programming from the Radio Beijing Corporation, China National Radio, and UFO Taiwan. Its diverse hosting team includes Susan, Muzi, Marilyn, Tian Tian, Shen Xu, Ya Bing, Christine, Pu Zheng, Zi Fei, Liang Yuan, Jing Fang, Yi Yi, and Cath.
Chinese Radio FM 104.2
Chinese Radio FM 104.2 (also known as Radio 9) is a bilingual English and Chinese station broadcasting in Auckland. Launched on March 5, 2010, as Chinese Voice (華人之聲廣播電臺), it operates as a joint venture between Chinese Voice and China Radio International (CRI), the state-owned international broadcaster of the People's Republic of China.
The station's mission is to foster an understanding of China among New Zealanders and strengthen the connection between Chinese New Zealanders and their homeland. Consequently, its programming reflects the political stances of the Chinese Communist Party on issues such as the status of the Dalai Lama and the political status of Taiwan. Content focuses heavily on news from a Chinese perspective and documentaries about the modern world. Some local programs have been simulcast on World TV's TV9, with hosts including Shawn Zhang, Simon Zhu, and Manning Chen.
Key Facts
- Love FM 99.4: Focuses on Cantonese speakers; sources heavily from Commercial Radio Hong Kong and RTHK.
- AM936: New Zealand's only Mandarin-language station; simulcasts key shows on Freeview TV28.
- FM 104.2: A joint venture with China Radio International (CRI) focusing on a Chinese worldview.
- Demographics: AM936 serves a population including roughly 45,000 Mandarin speakers in New Zealand.
- Local Content: AM936 produces over 70 hours of local programming per week.
| Station | Primary Language | Key Focus | Major Source/Partner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Love FM 99.4 | Cantonese | HK News & Entertainment | Commercial Radio HK / RTHK |
| AM936 | Mandarin | Community & Local Issues | Radio Beijing / China National Radio |
| FM 104.2 | Chinese & English | Modern China & State News | China Radio International (CRI) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which station should I listen to for Cantonese programming?
Love FM 99.4 is the primary choice for Cantonese speakers, offering a wide range of news and entertainment from Hong Kong and Southeast Asia.
Is there a Mandarin-language station in New Zealand?
Yes, AM936 is New Zealand's only dedicated Mandarin-language radio station, providing both local and imported content.
Do any of these stations broadcast on television?
Yes, AM936 simulcasts its breakfast and drive shows on Freeview channel TV28. Additionally, Chinese Radio FM 104.2 has had local programs simulcast on World TV's TV9.
What is the relationship between FM 104.2 and the Chinese government?
Chinese Radio FM 104.2 is a joint venture with China Radio International, the state-owned international broadcaster of the People's Republic of China, and its content reflects the official stances of the Chinese Communist Party.
Where does Love FM 99.4 get its entertainment content?
It sources a significant amount of its programming from Commercial Radio Hong Kong, Metro Broadcast Corporation, and Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK).