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February 16, 2023
Storm challenges iwi radio signal
Peter Verschaffelt
Posted On February 16, 2023
Download AudioIwi radio stations in some of the areas hardest hit by Cyclone Gabrielle have been forced off air.
Radio Ngati Kahungunu in Hastings has shifted to social media channels after its broadcast equipment got wet, and Turanga FM in Gisborne and Te Hiku in Kaitaia have also experienced outages.
Radio Ngati Porou manager Erana Keelan-Reedy says her station went off air for a couple of hours on Monday night when fluctuating power damaged a generator, but otherwise it has been broadcasting continuously since 7pm Sunday.
“Which was reassuring not only for our people at home that live alone but also for the Natis spread around the country and the world. As I speak I have been fielding questions from whanau concerned about ‘my mother and father live down Makarika Valley,’ because all they are seeingis videos of devastation,” she says.
Erana Reedy says today has been sunny witth blue skies, and the station has been working to lift spirits lifting as Gabrielle moves away.
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