Radio Data System
Radio New Zealand uses "RDS" technology on some of its FM transmitters.
RDS is a bit like a radio version of teletext. It allows some text information to be broadcast within the radio signal. An RDS radio is capable of receiving and displaying the information. RDS has been used in Europe and the UK for many years but has been very slow coming to this part of the world. However, more and more RDS-capable car radios are now available in NZ.
When you tune in to most Radio New Zealand National FM transmitters on an RDS capable radio it will display "NATIONAL".
Your radio will then automatically tune into any of the Radio New Zealand National FM frequencies it can find. For example, if you drive between Auckland and Hamilton your radio will change frequency as you drive over the Bombay hills. Or in Whangarei, Taupo and Wellington your radio will automatically tune to the best of the two FM frequencies that Radio New Zealand National uses in these three centres.
You may need to ensure that your RDS radio has 'RDS' or 'AF' enabled so refer to your RDS car-radio manual for more detailed information.
Once you've tuned your RDS radio to "NATIONAL" you should also programme it into one of your radio's memory presets. When you select that memory in future it will automatically tune into any of the Radio New Zealand National FM frequencies it can find in the centres listed above. So even if you programme the car radio in Auckland it will automatically find Radio New Zealand National FM in most other centres.
A station ID is also transmitted by the Concert transmitters in South Northland/Whangarei, Waikato, Gisborne, Wellington, Greymouth, Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill. An RDS equipped radio tuned into those transmitters will display "CONCERT".
Information
Transmission
Scheduled transmission outages
Downloads
Radio New Zealand frequency list (PDF, 32 KB)
RNZ National FM coverage map (PDF, 1MB)
RNZ National AM coverage map (PDF, 1 MB)
RNZ Concert coverage map (PDF, 1 MB)
AM Network coverage map (PDF, 1 MB)
Frequency Finder
Frequency Finder has been developed by a consortium of radio broadcasters comprising members of the Radio Broadcasters Association (mainly commercial operators), Radio New Zealand, Iwi broadcasters and a number of independent AM and FM stations.
The purpose is to help radio listeners find their favourite stations.