2ZB
| Company type | Radio station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Broadcasting |
| Founded | 1937 |
| Headquarters | Wellington , New Zealand |
| Products | Radio broadcasting (AM and FM) |
| Owner | Radio New Zealand (initially), later The Radio Network (subsidiary of APN News & Media and Clear Channel Communications) |
2ZB was a radio station located in Wellington, New Zealand. Initially managed by Radio New Zealand (previously NZBS/NZBC/BCNZ), it later introduced a secondary FM channel named B90FM. Currently, both 2ZB and B90FM operate as components of the nationwide networks Newstalk ZB and The Hits, respectively.
Early years
Established by Radio New Zealand, then known as the National Broadcasting Service, in 1937, 2ZB originally transmitted on 980AM. The callsign adhered to the ZB series designated for four principal New Zealand regions: Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin. Its programming was mainly regionally focused, though it included some network broadcasts such as Aunt Daisy until 1963. In 1978, the station adjusted its frequency to 1035AM following New Zealand's shift from 10 kHz to 9 kHz AM channel spacing.
Switch to FM
In early 1991, 2ZB expanded its reach by launching an FM broadcast on 89.8FM, also extending coverage to Kapiti via 89.4FM, while continuing transmissions on 1035AM.
Launch of B90FM and transition to Newstalk ZB
By 1993, Radio New Zealand moved most local AM stations onto FM bands but preserved original AM frequencies for network purposes. The 1035AM frequency of 2ZB was reassigned to Auckland's Newstalk 1ZB network, marking the introduction of Newstalk ZB in Wellington with continued local announcers and programming into the late 2000s. Meanwhile, the station’s 89.8FM frequency was rebranded as Goodtime Oldies B90FM, inspired by Christchurch’s Goodtime Oldies B98FM.
Goodtime Oldies B90FM becomes Classic Hits B90FM
In 1993, Radio New Zealand unified its FM stations under the Classic Hits brand to align with Auckland’s Classic Hits 97FM. Consequently, Goodtime Oldies B90FM was renamed Classic Hits B90FM, concentrating on hits from the 1960s and 1970s—setting it apart from other Classic Hits outlets that played music through the 1990s.
By 1995, Classic Hits B90FM evolved into Classic Hits 90FM, adopting a format consistent with other stations in the Classic Hits network. The Wellington broadcast operated on 90.0FM through four transmitters located at Tinakori Hill (Wellington), Towai (Lower Hutt), Haywards (Upper Hutt), and Colonial Knob (Porirua).
Change of ownership and reduction in local programming
In July 1996, the commercial division of Radio New Zealand, including both the Classic Hits and Newstalk ZB stations, was sold by the New Zealand Government to The Radio Network, a subsidiary of APN News & Media and Clear Channel Communications, operating under the umbrella of the Australian Radio Network.
By 1998, Classic Hits 90FM had reduced its locally produced content to just four hours daily (6–10 am), with Auckland-based nationwide programs filling remaining time slots. Network announcers referred to the station simply as Classic Hits. Similarly, local programming on Newstalk ZB Wellington was gradually diminished starting in the late 1990s.
Kapiti station
In 2001, Kapiti’s frequency at 89.4FM switched over to carry Newstalk ZB network content. By 2004, Classic Hits made a return to Kapiti on 92.7FM (previously assigned to Radio Sport) branded as Classic Hits 92.7 with studios located in Paraparaumu. Initially featuring a local breakfast show before transitioning to networked programming after 10 am, both Newstalk ZB and Classic Hits in Kapiti included localized advertising targeted specifically for that area. In 2009, the local breakfast program was discontinued and replaced by the Classic Hits Wellington breakfast show broadcast on 90FM.
Newstalk ZB Wellington
The 1035AM frequency originally assigned to 2ZB continues to serve as the broadcast channel for Newstalk ZB Wellington. Over the years, the amount of locally produced content has decreased. Among the prominent hosts was Lindsay Yeo, who led the breakfast program from 1987 to 1996. He was succeeded by Paul Holmes, a network presenter with previous experience at both 2ZB and Auckland's 1ZB. Justin Du Fresne took over the morning show until 2010, and the current host is Sean Plunket. Garry Ward was known for hosting Saturday mornings with "The Great Weekender" from 1983 until his passing in 2009; Justin Du Fresne briefly continued this program until it ended in 2013.
The Hits 90.1FM Wellington
In 2010, the station shifted its FM broadcast to 90.1FM. On 28 April 2014, all Classic Hits stations underwent a rebranding to become The Hits. This change introduced former ZM breakfast hosts Pauline Gillespie and Grant Kareama to The Hits lineup; both had been influential figures in Wellington radio since the 1980s and had hosted nationwide shows from ZM Wellington studios. Following the rebrand, local programming expanded to nine hours daily. Pauline and Grant left in 2017, and currently Jay Harvie presents a local show airing from 9 am until 3 pm.
The Hits 89.4FM Kapiti
The Kapiti station on 89.4FM was rebranded as The Hits, broadcasting local shows shared with the Wellington station while retaining separate local advertising.