Introduction

Radio New Zealand Campaign

In 2007 Radio New Zealand introduced a new and fresh print and television campaign focusing on iconic and traditional New Zealand images. With some Kiwiana twists these images were developed into ten classic and quirky model radios created by the very talented team at WETA Workshop. A further five radios were created from the winning designs from the 2010 and 2011 radio design competition.

The touring exhibition

From a campaign concept and radio competition we now have an assortment of fantastical radio creations we want everyone to enjoy.  After adding information panels telling the story of radio in New Zealand and two audio stations with 100 audio clips from the Sound Archives Ngā Taonga Kōrero collection, we created Sounds Like Us; a fun and informative exhibition we hope will produce a chuckle or two as you recognise a slice of Kiwi life.

Radio New Zealand is our public radio broadcaster, with a primary purpose of reflecting New Zealand and supporting our cultures. The Sounds Like Us exhibition uses model radios to literally show this; demonstrating what it can mean to be a Kiwi.

The exhibition has been seen at Te Papa; Puke Ariki New Plymouth; Auckland Art Gallery; the Pataka Art Gallery and Museum in Porirua; Taupo Museum; Rotorua Museum and Gallery; Hokitika Museum; the Millennium Public Art Gallery in Blenheim; the Central Stories Museum and Gallery in Alexandra; the South Canterbury Museum in Timaru and the Lakes District Museum in Arrowtown. The exhibition is currently on display at the Ashburton Museum until late March 2018.

Model Gallery

The model radios with no background, enabling a closer look at the extraordinary detail in each model.

Kiwiana Radio Wallpapers

Links to desktop wallpapers in various sizes.

Significant Sounds – 100 Years of Radio

2011 marked 100 years since radio signals were first broadcast in New Zealand and the event became the theme for the 2011 Sounds Like Us radio design competition.

To celebrate this significant milestone, Sound Archives Ngā Taonga Kōrero identified 100 inspiring pieces of audio showing how public radio has been involved in New Zealand culture. The items cover major news events, musical features, sporting achievements, personalities and much more. These sound clips are included in the Sounds Like Us exhibition for you to enjoy.