Newstalk ZB
| Company type | Radio network |
|---|---|
| Industry | Broadcasting, radio |
| Predecessor | 1ZB Auckland, 2ZB Wellington, 3ZB Christchurch, 4ZB Dunedin |
| Founded | 1926 (as 1ZB Auckland) |
| Headquarters | Auckland , New Zealand |
Area served | New Zealand nationwide |
| Products | Talkback radio, news, interviews, music, sports coverage |
| Owner | NZME Radio |
Number of employees | Over 50 (newsreaders, reporters and editors) |
Newstalk ZB is a prominent talk radio network serving New Zealand nationwide, managed by NZME Radio. It transmits across nearly all radio market areas throughout the country, supported by reporters stationed in multiple locations. The network's programming includes talkback segments, alongside news, interviews, music, and sports coverage. Notable presenters include Kate Hawkesby, Mike Hosking, Kerre Woodham, Simon Barnett, James Daniels, Heather du Plessis-Allan, Marcus Lush, Andrew Dickens, Jack Tame, and Francesca Rudkin. Both Wellington and Christchurch feature dedicated local morning shows.
Operating one of the largest newsrooms in New Zealand, Newstalk ZB employs over 50 newsreaders, reporters, and editors across the nation. Its main news centre is located in Auckland, with additional hubs in Wellington, Christchurch, and near the Parliament. Regional news bureaux are found in cities including Whangārei, Hamilton, Tauranga, Rotorua, Taupō, New Plymouth, Napier, Palmerston North, Nelson, Dunedin, and Invercargill. The majority of the station’s content is produced at the NZME headquarters in Auckland.
1926–1987
The beginnings of Newstalk ZB date back to 1926 with Auckland’s station 1ZB, which originally transmitted on 1070 AM. Over time, its frequency shifted several times: to 1090 kHz in 1931, then 1190 kHz in 1933, and finally 1080 kHz in 1978. The station’s brand was derived from its call sign, 1ZB. Comparable ZB stations were established in New Zealand’s major urban centres as 1ZB Auckland, 2ZB Wellington, 3ZB Christchurch, and 4ZB Dunedin. Up until 1987, these stations primarily featured music programming combined with both local and networked content. Most of the stations that now form the Newstalk ZB network began as local AM broadcasters operated by Radio New Zealand.
From 1941 until its demolition in 1990, 1ZB transmitted from Broadcasting House—a purpose-built modernist theatre and studio located on Durham Street.
1987–1996
During the mid-1980s, Auckland’s 1ZB lost several key on-air personalities to the privately owned station Radio i (formerly Easy Mix), including Merv Smith who had hosted its breakfast show for more than two decades. This exodus resulted in a significant drop in audience numbers as listeners migrated away. In response, the station was relaunched in 1987 as a talkback format under the name Newstalk 1ZB. Although initially met with resistance from listeners, it experienced growth by the end of that year. By 1989, Paul Holmes’ breakfast programme had become the highest-rated show in Auckland. In February 1993, Newstalk 1ZB expanded its reach by beginning broadcasts on 89.4 FM alongside its original AM frequency of 1080 after Radio New Zealand acquired and shut down local station 89X to repurpose its frequency. The national toll-free number for Newstalk ZB (0800 80 10 80) originates from Auckland’s original AM frequency of 1080.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Radio New Zealand moved many of its longstanding stations to FM while continuing to simulcast identical content on AM frequencies. Following Auckland’s success with talkback radio, both Wellington’s 2ZB and Christchurch’s 3ZB transitioned to talkback formats in 1991 and introduced new FM music stations—B90 FM in Wellington and B98 FM in Christchurch. Numerous local stations adopted morning talkback shows on their AM channels while retaining music programming on FM. Between 1993 and 1994, several regional stations rebranded as Classic Hits and utilized their AM frequencies for wider national distribution. At this time, Newstalk 1ZB was renamed Newstalk ZB. Regions that had local AM talkback programmes continued them; initially Wellington and Christchurch maintained distinct local versions of Newstalk ZB.
1996–2002
In 1996, Radio New Zealand divested its commercial assets, resulting in Newstalk ZB, Classic Hits, and ZM becoming integrated into The Radio Network. By 2001, Newstalk ZB had extended its reach into smaller regions where stations had not undergone the Classic Hits rebranding during the early 1990s and were frequently limited to AM broadcasts. These stations were unified in 1998 under the Community Radio Network. In 2001, every station within the Community Radio Network transitioned to the Classic Hits brand and moved to FM frequencies where possible, allowing AM channels to be repurposed for Newstalk ZB transmissions. Currently, most Newstalk ZB outlets feature fully networked content; nevertheless, Wellington and Christchurch maintain localized morning segments from 9 am until noon.
2002–2009
In 2002, Newstalk ZB experienced a significant decline in its Auckland listenership as music stations rose in popularity, casting doubts on the network’s sustainability. Despite this, by 2013 it achieved the highest commercial radio market share across the country.
In September 2003, broadcaster Paul Holmes ignited controversy after referring to United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan as a "cheeky darkie." This statement triggered allegations of racism, calls for his resignation, and withdrawal of sponsors from his television program. Holmes issued several apologies and engaged directly with members of New Zealand’s Ghanaian community. The Radio Network responded by disciplining him, implementing racism awareness training for staff, and donating $10,000 to Save the Children. Complaints submitted to the Broadcasting Standards Authority were dismissed; however, some of Holmes’ remarks about female journalists were judged as "insulting and inappropriate."
The episode led to an unprecedented volume of complaints directed at race relations commissioner Joris de Bres—a record later surpassed by a contentious letter from politician Hone Harawira. Holmes’ comments established a benchmark when former All Black Andy Haden faced demands to resign as Rugby World Cup ambassador over comparable language. Government officials encouraged public forgiveness for both individuals.
Artist Ralph Hotere created works including White Drip to Mister Paul Holmes, which has become an iconic piece. Holmes expressed remorse but later acknowledged the delicate boundary between humor and offense. The phrase was also featured on commemorative merchandise, while broadcaster John Hawkesby referred to Holmes as a "cheeky little whitey" during his funeral in 2013.
Holmes departed from his morning breakfast program at the close of 2008 and was succeeded by Mike Hosking.
2009–2011
Amid the 2008 financial crisis, the network underwent restructuring that resulted in the elimination of one Parliamentary press gallery reporter position along with several roles across Wellington, Auckland, and Christchurch. Subsequently, local news and sports bulletins in Christchurch, along with the morning show, were reinstated following NZME’s $7.8 million investment securing a 17-year license on 100.1 FM.
The 2010 Canterbury earthquake and 2011 Christchurch earthquake caused significant disruption to broadcast operations. The Worcester Street studios were evacuated, leading to local news being replaced by network-wide earthquake coverage. The morning show continued broadcasting from temporary premises—initially at Whitebait Studios and later from a hotel. The Radio Network did not return to its original facility, which was demolished in August 2012 through New Zealand’s first controlled implosion.
2011–present
According to the 2013 TNS T2 commercial radio survey, the network commanded an 11.4% audience share among listeners aged over 10, featuring the nation’s top-rated breakfast programme, which coincided with Rachel Smalley taking over as host of the Early Edition show. Despite experiencing a slight market share reduction of 0.3% in 2014, Newstalk ZB increased its listener base by 7,600, while other stations under NZME saw declines. It is noteworthy that Newstalk ZB and Mai FM are among the few stations accessible in imported used Japanese vehicles due to Japan’s unique FM frequency range.
In April 2014, Rachel Smalley issued a public apology following the leak of off-air remarks that insulted New Zealand women and drew international condemnation. She expressed deep regret and described her comments as offensive during a tearful statement. The Broadcasting Standards Authority ultimately dismissed complaints related to the incident, determining that her comments were neither intentional nor premeditated.
Regular contributor Cameron Slater, a blogger known for his polarizing views, frequently appeared on the drive programme, providing both critique and endorsement of station perspectives. Complaints regarding Slater’s contentious comments about Labour MP Grant Robertson in 2013 were dismissed by the Broadcasting Standards Authority; Newstalk ZB defended its editorial stance as promoting "robust, irreverent, edgy" discourse. Despite demands from left-wing commentators for his removal following the Dirty Politics scandal, Slater continued to participate in pre-election panels on the drive show in 2014.
In 2014, Lonely Planet acknowledged Newstalk ZB as a forum for "the most lively discussions on New Zealand issues." The station has consistently attracted a broad spectrum of talkback contributors, including conspiracy theorists, vegan activists, survivors of sexual assault, housing campaigners, and individuals from varied social demographics.
In September 2023, NZME introduced ZB Plus, a digital subscription platform overseen by political blogger Philip Crump. Contributors featured former MPs Muriel Newman and Katherine Rich, NZME’s business editor Fran O'Sullivan, and podcaster Bruce Cotterill. One of its most prominent reports concerned shoplifting accusations involving former MP Golriz Ghahraman. By June 2024, ZB Plus was reintegrated into the New Zealand Herald website.
News
Newstalk ZB’s news operations are based in Auckland, delivering live news bulletins across the national ZB network. During breakfast hours, Wellington and Christchurch provide live local news updates; Auckland airs bulletins at 7:00am and 8:00am. Outside these times, stations broadcast network bulletins every 30 minutes from 5am until midnight and hourly throughout overnight periods. Previously, regional newsrooms produced local bulletins during breakfast segments. In December 2014, the station transitioned from segmented bulletins and its "Keep up with Newstalk ZB" slogan to continuous news coverage featuring new theme music and adopting the tagline "Now You're in the Now."
The news content spans subjects such as labour relations and prisoner rehabilitation, with particular emphasis on crime reporting and court proceedings. The service received criticism after prematurely releasing a wire report concerning lawyer Davina Murray's case verdict in 2013. Current weekday newsreaders include Niva Retimanu (Breakfast), Malcolm Jordan (Mornings), Raylene Ramsay (Afternoons), and Alistair Wilkinson (Evening/Overnight).
History
Newstalk ZB News traces its origins back to Independent Radio News (IRN), which provided news and sports coverage to most independent radio stations across New Zealand during the 1980s and 1990s. Stations not affiliated with Radio New Zealand (RNZ) relied on IRN for their news and sports content, complemented by localized updates such as weather reports.
Following RNZ’s divestment of its commercial division in 1996, The Radio Network (TRN) was established and took over IRN. TRN rebranded the news service as Radio Network News on its own stations, while stations outside TRN continued using the IRN name despite sourcing from the same provider. Meanwhile, RNZ maintained its separate news bulletins on its non-commercial outlets, RNZ National and RNZ Concert.
By the year 2000, RadioWorks (later known as CanWest) had acquired many independent stations and introduced its own news operation—initially called Global News, which was renamed Radio Live News in 2005. Concurrently, IRN News transitioned into what is now known as Newstalk ZB News.
Since 2016, NZME’s newsroom has produced a unified bulletin broadcast across all NZME radio channels (with the exception of Newstalk ZB) during breakfast hours and other key periods throughout the day.
Affiliate Service
Operating from Auckland, the Newstalk ZB Affiliates Unit delivers hourly news bulletins for NZME’s radio outlets and provides content syndication to external clients such as Radio 1XX in Whakatane and the Eastern Bay of Plenty region.
Stations
The principal frequencies broadcasting Newstalk ZB include:
- Kaitaia – Maungataniwha – 105.1 FM
- Kaikohe – Ōhaeawai – 1215 AM
- Whangārei – Otaika – 1026 AM
- Auckland – Henderson – 1080 AM
- Auckland – Sky Tower – 89.4 FM
- Waikato – Eureka – 1296 AM
- Waikato – Ruru – 97.0 FM
- Tokoroa – Wiltsdown – 1413 AM
- Bay of Plenty – Paengaroa – 1008 AM
- Bay of Plenty – Kopukairua – 90.2 FM
- Rotorua – Tihiotonga – 94.3 FM
- Taupō – Tuhingamata – 96.0 FM
- Gisborne – Wainui – 945 AM
- Taranaki – Mount Egmont – 96.4 FM
- Hawke's Bay – Pakowhai – 1278 AM
- Hawke's Bay – Mount Threave – 90.3 FM
- Whanganui – Kaitoke – 1197 AM
- Manawatū – Wharite Peak – 100.2 FM
- Wairarapa - Masterton (Otahoua) - 103.9 FM
- Kāpiti Coast – Forest Heights – 89.5 FM
- Wellington – Tītahi Bay – 1035 AM
- Wellington – Kaukau – 89.3 FM
- Blenheim – Cavalier House – 92.1 FM
- Nelson - Grampians - 106.4 FM
- Westport – Cape Foulwind – 1287 AM
- Westport – Waterworks Road – 95.7 FM
- Greymouth/Hokitika – Paparoa–103.5 FM, also 105.9 FM
- Christchurch – Ouruhia – 1098 AM; Marshland – 1017 AM; Sugarloaf–100.1 FM
- Ashburton – Winchmore–873 AM; Somerset House–98.1 FM
- Timaru – Fairview West–1152 AM
- Oamaru – Weston–1395 AM
- Wānaka – Mount Maude–90.6 FM
- Queenstown – Peninsula Hill–89.6 FM
- Alexandra – Obelisk–95.1 FM
- Dunedin – Mt Cargill–106.2 FM; Highcliff Road–1044 AM
- Southland – Dacre–864 AM
After the Radio Sport network ceased operations on 30 March 2020, Newstalk ZB programming was simulcast on those former frequencies, incorporating specific segments dedicated to Super Rugby Aotearoa and select ANZ Premiership netball fixtures under Newstalk ZB Sport-branded channels:
- Whangārei – 729 AM
- Auckland – 1332 AM
- Hamilton – 792 AM
- Tauranga – 1521 AM
- Rotorua – 1350 AM
- Taupō – 107.7 FM
- New Plymouth – 774 AM
- Napier – 1125 AM
- Wanganui – 1062 AM
- Manawatū – 1089 AM
- Wairarapa – 87.6 FM
- Wellington – 1503 AM
- Nelson – 549 AM
- Blenheim – 98.5 FM
- Westport – 91.7 FM
- Greymouth – 89.9 FM
- Christchurch –1503 AM
- Ashburton–702 AM
- Timaru–1494 AM
- Dunedin–693 AM
- Invercargill–558 AM
On July 1, 2020, these former Radio Sport frequencies were relaunched as Gold AM, focusing on a targeted audience demographic while continuing to broadcast live sports commentaries within their schedule.
Timesaver Traffic
The Timesaver Traffic Centre at Newstalk ZB generates traffic reports for all New Zealand Media and Entertainment stations. These updates encompass regions including Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Hawkes Bay, Wellington, and Christchurch. They are broadcast every 15 minutes during peak morning and evening commute periods, with hourly updates throughout the day and weekends on Newstalk ZB.
Promotional Activities
Newstalk ZB frequently hosts promotions featuring movie previews and community events. The station supports a variety of initiatives such as Variety, the Children's Charity gatherings, food donation campaigns, and concert tours by bands like The Feelers. On-air contests include breakfast giveaways like the ASB All I Want For Christmas competition. Additionally, the station has promoted the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, international theatrical productions, local drama groups, and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter service through advertising and awareness efforts.
Community Announcements and Event Cancellations
ZB stations have traditionally served as a platform for community group announcements. Notifications of cancellations for club and school sports activities are commonly broadcast every half hour during breakfast slots in numerous markets.
Online Presence
The Newstalk ZB website provides access to on-demand content alongside up-to-the-minute news coverage. Live streams from Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch can be accessed via the iHeartRadio platform and mobile application.
Audience Metrics
As reported by The New Zealand Herald in August 2024, the breakfast program on Newstalk ZB expanded its listenership from below 400,000 in early 2020 to 445,300 by 2024. The station drew 277,900 listeners in Auckland alone, surpassing Radio New Zealand’s Morning Report audience in that market. The Herald attributed this growth to the appeal of breakfast presenters Mike Hosking and Paul Holmes.
| Market | Station share | Change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| All markets | 14.5 | Template:Fluc | 1 |
| Auckland | 14.6 | Template:Fluc | 1 |
| Christchurch | 15.3 | Template:Fluc | 1 |
| Wellington | 16.3 | Template:Fluc | 1 |
| Waikato | 13.9 | Template:Fluc | 1 |
| Tauranga | 16.0 | Template:Fluc | 1 |
| Manawatū | 12.7 | Template:Fluc | 1 |
| Hawke's Bay | 14.8 | Template:Fluc | 1 |
| Northland | 9.9 | Template:Fluc | 3 |
| Dunedin | 13.3 | Template:Fluc | 1 |
| Taranaki | 13.2 | Template:Fluc | 1 |
| Nelson | 11.7 | Template:Fluc | 1 |
| Southland | 8.9 | Template:Fluc | 4 |
| Rotorua | 8.0 | Template:Fluc | 6 |
Breaches of Broadcasting Standards
In November 1995, Newstalk ZB was found in violation of broadcasting standards when presenter Chris Carter diminished respect for the judiciary during a segment with a caller mandated to attend an anger management program, while disparaging legal aid attorneys and the courts.
In May 2002, host Leighton Smith breached standards of decency by using offensive language to describe protesters outside a Hamilton school as "mongrels."
In September 2004, remarks made by Paul Holmes concerning allegations against Australian rugby players were deemed derogatory toward women and perpetuated damaging stereotypes related to sexual assault.
In April 2019, the Broadcasting Standards Authority determined that comments by Heather du Plessis-Allan characterizing Pacific Island nations as “Leech” violated discrimination and decency standards; as a result, Newstalk ZB was instructed to air a formal statement and pay $3,000 in costs.
In April 2024, a complaint against Early Edition with Kate Hawkesby was upheld due to misleading assertions about Auckland’s surgical waitlist prioritization based on ethnicity that reinforced harmful stereotypes; the station was required to broadcast a corrective statement and pay $1,500 in costs.