The Eastern Bay of Plenty is celebrating national success after SunFM and TumekeFM earned top honours at the 2026 New Zealand Radio and Podcast Awards, a recognition that highlights the growing strength of independent broadcasting and te reo Māori media in regional Aotearoa.
Led by Station Manager Jarrod Dodd, the stations’ achievements have been welcomed as a victory not only for the broadcasters themselves but also for the communities that have supported them over many years.
Among the major accolades was Independent Station of the Year for SunFM, a significant achievement in an increasingly competitive media environment dominated by large national networks and digital platforms.
For many in the Eastern Bay, the award is recognition of the unique role SunFM continues to play as a locally focused broadcaster dedicated to telling the stories of its communities.
Unlike larger commercial networks, independent stations often operate with smaller teams and resources, relying heavily on community support and local engagement. Their strength lies in their ability to reflect the issues, voices and aspirations of the regions they serve.
The award reinforces the importance of local journalism and regional storytelling at a time when many communities are experiencing a decline in locally produced news and content.
The success was not limited to SunFM.
TumekeFM also received recognition for its contribution to te reo Māori broadcasting, highlighting the ongoing importance of Māori-language media in strengthening cultural identity, language revitalisation and community connection.
Across Aotearoa, Māori broadcasters continue to play a critical role in ensuring te reo Māori remains visible, accessible and relevant for future generations. Stations such as TumekeFM provide a platform where language, culture, mātauranga and local stories can thrive while connecting with audiences in ways mainstream media often cannot.
The achievement comes at a time when Māori broadcasting is experiencing renewed momentum, with growing audiences seeking content that reflects their language, culture and lived experiences.
Industry observers say the awards demonstrate that Māori-language content is not simply a niche offering but an essential part of New Zealand’s media landscape.
A key part of the wider broadcasting kaupapa is Pūkāea, which provides news, current affairs and storytelling content across the network.
Pūkāea’s role extends beyond traditional news reporting. Through kaupapa Māori journalism, community storytelling and coverage of issues affecting Māori and regional communities, the service contributes to strengthening local voices and ensuring important stories reach audiences throughout the country.
The integration of Pūkāea’s journalism alongside the entertainment, music and community programming of SunFM and TumekeFM has helped create a broadcasting model that combines local relevance with cultural authenticity.
For listeners across the Eastern Bay of Plenty, the awards serve as recognition that regional media continues to matter.
At a time when many media organisations are facing financial pressures, newsroom closures and audience fragmentation, the success of SunFM and TumekeFM demonstrates the enduring value of community-focused broadcasting.
The awards also reinforce the importance of investing in regional and Māori media as part of a healthy democratic and cultural landscape.
For Jarrod Dodd and the teams behind SunFM, TumekeFM and Pūkāea, the national recognition reflects years of commitment to serving their communities, supporting te reo Māori and ensuring local stories remain at the heart of broadcasting.
As the media industry continues to evolve, their success offers a powerful reminder that authentic local voices, community connection and Māori storytelling remain as important as ever.
