3ZE
| Company type | Radio station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Broadcasting |
| Fate | Rebranded and replaced by Hokonui in 2014 |
| Headquarters | Ashburton , New Zealand |
Area served | Ashburton, New Zealand |
| Products | Radio broadcasting |
| Owner | Initially Radio New Zealand; later The Radio Network (subsidiary of APN News & Media and Clear Channel Communications) |
3ZE was a radio station located in Ashburton, New Zealand.
Initially, it broadcasted on 873 AM as a government-owned local station under Radio New Zealand, identified by its callsign 3ZE. The station's original premises were in the Loan Society Building on Tancred Street before moving to Highgate House during the early 1990s.
Change of ownership
In July 1996, the commercial division of Radio New Zealand, including 3ZE, was sold by the New Zealand Government to The Radio Network, which operates as a subsidiary of APN News & Media and Clear Channel Communications under the umbrella of the Australian Radio Network.
By 1998, The Radio Network integrated local stations into the Community Radio Network. During this period, 3ZE aired a local breakfast program from 6 am to 10 am, while other segments were sourced from Taupo. The station expanded to an FM frequency at 92.5 MHz, rebranding as 92.5 3ZE FM to improve signal quality and music offerings. Its previous AM channel was repurposed to relay Newstalk ZB content.
Rebranding to Classic Hits 92.5 ZEFM
On 1 December 2000, the Community Radio Network was dissolved, and all affiliated stations joined the Classic Hits FM network. As a result, 3ZE adopted the Classic Hits 92.5 ZEFM identity. The station continued with local breakfast shows while other programming originated from Classic Hits studios based in Auckland. In the early 2010s, operations shifted to the renovated Somerset House.
Rebranding to The Hits
On 28 April 2014, the Classic Hits brand transitioned to The Hits. A network-wide breakfast show featuring hosts Polly Gillespie and Grant Kareama was launched across most locations. Phill Hooper, previously the local breakfast presenter, moved to a mid-morning slot from 9 am to 3 pm.
Replacement with Hokonui
Due to unfavorable local reactions after the switch from Classic Hits to The Hits—particularly regarding the loss of local breakfast content and changes in music style—the decision was made in 2014 to introduce the Gore-based Hokonui on 92.5FM for the Ashburton audience. Phill Hooper was assigned to present a local breakfast show, reinstating community-focused programming.
Meanwhile, The Hits remains accessible in Ashburton on 89.3FM featuring its full network lineup.