The Hits (radio station)
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Radio broadcasting |
| Predecessor | Classic Hits |
| Founded | 1993 |
| Headquarters | New Zealand |
Area served | New Zealand |
| Owner | New Zealand Media and Entertainment |
The Hits is a Hot adult contemporary radio network serving 26 locations throughout New Zealand. Originally formed in 1993 by state broadcaster Radio New Zealand through the merger of existing stations, it has been under private ownership since 1996. Since then, The Hits has upheld the widest broadcast coverage among New Zealand radio networks, transmitting on 40 high-power FM channels and 18 iHeartRadio digital streams.
Many of its stations began as local AM broadcasters operated by Radio New Zealand, offering a platform for prominent presenters like Paul Holmes, Peter Sinclair, and Jenny-May Clarkson (formerly Coffin). Although local programming has diminished since 1993, several stations continue to provide a localized three-hour breakfast segment or a six-hour daytime show.
The network draws approximately 282,000 listeners weekly, including 85,000 in the Auckland area. Its primary demographic includes homeowners aged 25 to 54, socially engaged parents, and budget-conscious consumers. In April 2014, the Classic Hits brand was replaced by The Hits to better attract younger listeners. Ownership was transferred to New Zealand Media and Entertainment later that year.
Early years
Until April 2014, The Hits was known as Classic Hits. The Classic Hits format unofficially started in Auckland in 1987 when 1ZM (then known as 1251ZM) adopted a "classic hits" style and rebranded as Classic Hits Twelve Fifty One. In 1989, this Auckland station switched to FM broadcasting under the name Classic Hits 97FM. The current Auckland ZM station began in 1997, taking over from Magic 91FM.
Other Classic Hits stations originated as local commercial outlets owned by the government-operated Radio New Zealand during its monopoly period. In certain areas, these stations were the only available radio service. By the early 1990s, most had transitioned to FM frequencies while maintaining AM channels for broader reach and specialized content. To cut expenses and prepare for privatization, Radio New Zealand rebranded its AM stations as Newstalk ZB and its FM stations as Classic Hits. The Classic Hits brand preserved traditional station identities until 2009 and used a consistent green diamond logo until June 2011.
Between late 1993 and early 1994, several stations adopted the Classic Hits identity: Waikato’s 1ZH became Classic Hits ZHFM; Bay of Plenty’s 1ZD Radio BOP was renamed Classic Hits BOP FM; Rotorua’s Geyserland FM transformed into Classic Hits Geyserland FM; Radio Taranaki was rebranded as Classic Hits Taranaki FM; and Bay City Radio became Classic Hits Bay City Radio. Comparable rebrandings occurred at Radio Northland, Radio Nelson, Radio Caroline (South Canterbury), Dunedin’s 4ZB, and Southland’s 4ZA. Wellington’s Goldtime Oldies B90FM and Christchurch’s Goldtime Oldies B98FM also adopted the Classic Hits name but maintained an oldies format emphasizing music from the 1960s and 1970s, whereas other stations featured hits spanning from the 1960s through the 1990s.
Local programming aired from 6 am to 7 pm daily with a networked evening show initially produced in Hamilton. Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch retained full local programming around the clock until the night show shifted to Auckland in 1995.
Privatisation
In July 1996, the New Zealand Government divested the commercial division of Radio New Zealand, which included the Classic Hits brand, selling it to The Radio Network, a subsidiary jointly owned by APN News & Media and Clear Channel Communications, operating under the umbrella of the Australian Radio Network. The company pursued growth by acquiring additional stations and rebranding most local stations under the Classic Hits identity.
By November 1998, this entity commanded 60% of the radio advertising market share and retained over half of the market by 2002. Confronted with growing competition and shrinking market presence, it implemented cost-saving measures. Initially, Classic Hits broadcast live local shows from Monday through Saturday, with Auckland providing networked programming during evenings and Sundays. However, in 1998, local content was reduced to a four-hour daily slot in most areas except Christchurch, with network shows filling other timeframes.
Network programming
In 1998, Classic Hits stations cut local programming to a four-hour breakfast segment (6am–10am). Utilizing satellite networking technology, these stations combined locally produced breakfast shows with network content originating from Auckland studios, while inserting localized advertisements, weather updates, and segment breakouts. This approach sustained station viability in smaller markets and appealed to national advertisers. During this period, Christchurch’s Classic Hits 98FM and Auckland retained a greater amount of local programming.
Additionally in 1998, The Radio Network consolidated its remaining local stations into the Community Radio Network, preserving individual station branding and breakfast shows but adopting network programming from Lakeland FM Taupō during other hours. South Canterbury’s Radio Caroline transitioned from Classic Hits to join this network. Other members included Lakeland FM, River City Radio, Radio Forestland, Radio Wairarapa, Radio Marlborough, Radio Scenicland, and 3ZE. In 2001, these stations were rebranded as Classic Hits, expanding Classic Hits’ national footprint. A new Southern Lakes station commenced broadcasting in Queenstown in 2005; meanwhile, Radio Waitomo ceased operations.
By 2008, stations removed their legacy titles from station names. In 2009, a networked breakfast programme served King Country and other regions during host absences. The King Country station closed in 2010; weekend local breakfast shows were replaced by network broadcasts. Weekend highlights from Christchurch and Wellington breakfast programmes were aired nationwide. Classic Hits Southland maintained a local breakfast show featuring an unpaid announcer; Dunedin produced a highlights compilation show.
In 2012, local breakfast shows were shortened by one hour to make room for a new drive-time programme hosted by Jason Gunn and Dave Fitzgerald from Christchurch. Remaining local Saturday morning shows in Manawatū and Southland were also discontinued.
Relaunch as The Hits
On 4 April 2014, the National Business Review revealed that Polly Gillespie and Grant Kereama planned to transition from ZM to lead a new network breakfast show on Classic Hits, with approximately 20 local breakfast hosts expected to be laid off. Polly and Grant had co-hosted on ZM since the 1980s, growing their audience from a local Wellington base to nationwide by 2001.
On 15 April, The Radio Network announced that Classic Hits would be rebranded as The Hits, effective from 28 April. The Classic Hits brand concluded at midnight, with The Hits launching at breakfast time; the inaugural song played was "Best Day of My Life" by American Authors.
Polly and Grant assumed hosting duties for the network breakfast show. Most stations replaced their local morning shows with this networked programme while shifting former local hosts to daytime slots. Some stations retained their local breakfast broadcasts but adopted networked morning and afternoon content. Stations also began using a unified network programme during presenter absences, resulting in many local co-hosts changing roles or departing. In October 2014, The Radio Network became part of New Zealand Media and Entertainment (NZME).
By late 2016, Fairfax Media reported that Polly and Grant had been replaced in Auckland by Sam Wallace and Toni Street; however, they continued hosting in other regions. Following a contractual dispute, Polly and Grant departed The Hits in March 2017 when their contract expired. Subsequently, Sarah Gandy joined Toni Street and Sam Wallace to host the Auckland breakfast slot.
In February 2020, Jono Pryor and Ben Boyce (known as Jono and Ben) took over the existing network breakfast show; Toni Street and Sam Wallace transitioned to Coast. Jono and Ben had previously hosted drive-time on The Edge as well as their own television programme on TV3 from 2012 until 2018.
Historical Playlists
Classic Hits initially branded itself as featuring "The best of the 1960s, 1970s and the 1980s". When additional stations became part of the network from 1993 onward, they retained their individual playlists. Regional broadcasters used the slogan "All the Hits from the 1960s to the 1990s", whereas Wellington and Christchurch concentrated on music from the 1960s and 1970s, using phrases like "Good Time Oldies" and "A Better Music Mix".
By 1996, regional stations eliminated 1960s tracks, switching to the tagline "From the Nineties to the Seventies". Auckland and Wellington aligned with a shared playlist by 1998. From that point, Classic Hits promoted "Hits of the 70s, 80s and 90s", which expanded in 2000 to include "Today". In 2005, the station removed most 1970s songs, adopting "80s, 90s and Whatever", then incorporated more contemporary hits in 2007 under "80s, 90s and now". The format was further refined in 2011 to "80s, 90s, today".
Present-Day Playlist
Since 2014, The Hits network has embraced a hot adult contemporary format emphasizing popular tracks from the 2000s and 2010s. Its slogans transitioned from "All the Hits, All the Time" (2014) to "All Your Favourite Hits" (2015), then to "90's Till Now" (2016). The playlist highlights prominent artists such as Coldplay, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, and Bruno Mars.
Currently promoted as playing "All The Hits You Know And Love," The Hits offers an extensive selection spanning from the 1980s through to current chart-toppers. It also showcases New Zealand talent including Brooke Fraser, Benny Tipene, Lorde, and Avalanche City. Nonetheless, it faces criticism for predominantly airing American music content.
Programming
The Hits follows a consistent daily lineup: breakfast programming from 6:00am to 9:00am; daytime shows between 9:00am and 3:00pm; drive-time broadcasts from 3:00pm to 7:00pm; and evening programs running from 7:00pm until midnight. Its content features music, talk segments, and celebrity interviews. Some presenters have also participated in on-air pranks and parody songs.
Breakfast
The live network breakfast show is hosted by Jono Pryor, Ben Boyce, and Megan Papas from Auckland and is broadcast across most regions except Hawke's Bay and Dunedin. News, sports updates, and weather forecasts are supplied by the NZME newsroom with headlines delivered hourly and at half-past each hour by Megan Papas (Network) and Brin Rudkin (Regional). Traffic updates are provided every fifteen minutes. Local breakfast shows continue in Hawke's Bay and Dunedin.
Weekdays
Following The Hits' rebranding in 2014, many markets initially featured local six-hour daytime programs running from 9am to 3pm; some hosts covered multiple areas such as Taupō and Rotorua. However, local programming has since diminished with certain stations now broadcasting solely network content.
Currently, a network daytime show presented by Hayley Bath originates from Wellington between 9am and 3pm for markets both with and without local breakfast shows. This includes producing a dedicated local program for Auckland.
Prior to 2017, daytime slots were hosted by Sarah Gandy (Auckland, 9am–12pm) and Dave Fitzgerald (Christchurch, 12pm–3pm), who also provided voicetracks for both network-wide and Auckland-specific shows; Fitzgerald added localized voice breaks for Christchurch. Murray Lindsay was a longtime daytime presenter for sixteen years (1997–2012).
Additional Programmes
The Hits Drive Show features hosts Matty McLean and PJ Harding. Throughout its history, the show has been presented by various personalities including Pat Courtenay (1998–1999), Andrew Dickens (1999–2000), Grant Bailey (2000–2003), Mark Bunting (2003–2007), Jason Reeves (2007–2010), Jason Gunn (2012–2013), Justin Brown (2014), Guy Parsons (2014), Stacey Morrison and Paul Flynn (2015–2019), Stacey Morrison alongside Mike Puru and Anika Moa (2019–2021), and most recently Brad Watson with Laura McGoldrick (2022–2023).
Brin Rudkin currently hosts The Hits Night Show. Previous presenters have included Peter Sinclair from 1993 to 1997, Andy Dye (1998–1999), Gael Ludlow (2001–2002), Dene Young (2003–2004), Dave Smart (2004–2007), Will Johnston (2007–2008), Heemi Katene-Hill (2008–2009), Mike Plant in 2009, and Estelle Clifford who hosted from 2009 until 2021.
On weekends, the lineup includes Saturday Morning Breakfast featuring Jono & Ben in a replay format, as well as Sunday Morning Best of Brad & Laura. Weekend afternoons are covered by a variety of rotating announcers. Additionally, Party Mix—a commercial-free music programme—airs on Saturdays and public holidays.
Broadcasting
| Region | Frequency (MHz) |
|---|---|
| Northland | 89.2 Whangārei 89.2 Kaikohe & Kaitaia 106.1 Russell |
| Auckland | 97.4 |
| Waikato | 98.6 |
| South Waikato | 97.3 Tokoroa |
| Coromandel | 100.3 Pauanui/Tairua & Whangamatā 106.9 Whitianga 106.0 Thames |
| Bay of Plenty | 95.0 Tauranga |
| Rotorua | 97.5 Rotorua 90.8 Reporoa |
| Taupō | 96.8 |
| Gisborne | 90.9 |
| Taranaki | 90.0 New Plymouth & Ōakura 91.2 Ōpunake |
| Hawke's Bay | 89.5 Napier/Hastings 99.7 Wairoa |
| Whanganui | 89.6 |
| Manawatū | 97.8 |
| Kāpiti/Horowhenua | 92.7 |
| Wairarapa | 90.3 |
| Wellington | 90.1 |
| Nelson | 89.6 Nelson & Tākaka 1269 AM Tākaka |
| Marlborough | 96.9 Blenheim 89.1 Picton |
| West Coast | 90.9 Westport 97.5 Reefton 90.7 Greymouth 93.1 / 97.1 Hokitika 90.5 South Westland |
| Canterbury | 91.5 Kaikōura 97.7 Christchurch 96.5 Sumner |
| Mid Canterbury | 89.3 Ashburton |
| South Canterbury | 94.7 / 98.7 Timaru |
| North Otago | 98.4 Oamaru |
| Dunedin | 89.4 / 96.2 |
| Southern Lakes | 90.4 Queenstown 99.9 Alexandra 96.2 Wānaka |
| Southland | 98.8 Invercargill |
Northland
The Hits broadcasts across Northland on four separate frequencies: 95.6FM serving the Far North, Mid North, and Whangārei areas, along with 106.1FM covering the Bay of Islands. Initially operating as Radio Northland on 1026 and 1215 AM under the call sign 1ZN, it transitioned to 96FM in Whangārei during the late 1990s. The station’s studios are situated on Bank Street in Whangārei.
Local programming: Charmaine Soljak presents the weekday local show from 9am until 3pm.
Auckland 97.4FM
As the flagship station of The Hits network, 97.4FM Auckland hosts the majority of network presenters. Based at NZME Radio’s central Auckland headquarters on Graham Street, it introduced a local breakfast program in February 2017, originally anchored by Sarah Gandy, Sam Wallace, and Toni Street. Following Gandy’s exit, Laura McGoldrick and content director Todd Campbell joined the team. Starting in April, the breakfast show was expanded to serve the entire North Island network. Most other shows outside of breakfast are produced in Auckland, with announcers recording distinct voice breaks tailored for both Auckland listeners and national audiences.
Local programming: Hayley Bath delivers the local daytime show (broadcast from Wellington) between 9am and 3pm.
Waikato 98.6FM
Waikato's original station, 1ZH, began in 1949 on 1310 AM before shifting to 1296 AM in 1978. During the 1980s, it was branded as 1300 1ZH and later Hits and Memories 1ZH. On 25 May 1990, it transitioned to FM as 98.6 ZHFM. The station adopted the Classic Hits identity in 1993; its signal extends to Tauranga, parts of Auckland’s outskirts, and Northland due to its powerful transmitter and elevated location.
Mark Bunting commenced as breakfast host in 2000, moved to Classic Hits Auckland drivetime from 2003 to 2006, then returned to Waikato breakfast in 2007. After The Hits rebranding, Bunting was replaced by a networked breakfast show when he joined competitor The Breeze.
The station operates from Hardley Street in Hamilton Central.
Local programming: Blair Dowling hosts the local daytime show from 9am to 3pm.
South Waikato 97.3FM
Previously identified as 1ZO or Radio Forestland broadcasting on 1413 AM during the 1980s and ’90s, it later became 'Classic Hits Radio Forestland' before switching to FM in 2006. The station was part of the Classic Hits Community Radio Network.
In 2012, the local breakfast show was replaced by Waikato’s breakfast program hosted by Mark Bunting but retained local advertising inserts. Following its rebranding as The Hits, programming is now shared with Waikato.
A local office remains on Bridge Street in Tokoroa.
Local programming: Blair Dowling presents the local daytime show from 9am to 3pm.
Coromandel
The Hits Coromandel began broadcasting in December 2017 after Sea FM merged with NZME that year. Initially maintaining a dedicated local daytime show, this was discontinued by February 2018. Coverage spans Coromandel with frequencies including Thames on 106FM; Paunui; Tairua; Whangamatā at 100.3FM; and Whitianga on 106.9FM.
Bay of Plenty 95.0FM
Originally known as 1ZD Radio B.O.P., broadcasting on 1008 AM, the station transitioned to FM around 1990 as 95 B.O.P. FM and adopted the Classic Hits brand in 1993. The Hits’ Hamilton frequency at 98.6FM is also accessible within Tauranga.
Its studios are located on Cameron Road in Tauranga City.
Local programming: Samantha Weston presents the weekday local show from 9am to 3pm; Will Johnston hosts the Saturday morning weekend program from 9am until noon.
Rotorua 97.5FM
Initially known as Radio Geyserland broadcasting on 1350 AM, the station transitioned to FM in 1988, adopting the name 97.5 Geyserland FM. In 1993, it was rebranded as Classic Hits, at which point the "Geyserland" identifier was removed from on-air use but retained in the station's logo. The Hits Rotorua also transmits on 90.8FM, covering Reporoa, Broadlands, Ngakuru, and Waikite Valley.
The studio is situated on Fenton Street within Rotorua City.
Local programming: Paul Hickey hosts the local daytime segment from 9am until 3pm.
Taupo 96.8FM
Originally Radio Lakeland operating on 1494 AM in Taupō and 1386 AM in Tūrangi, it switched to 96.7 FM in 1988 under the name Lakeland FM. A secondary frequency briefly served Tūrangi but was later discontinued.
Lakeland FM was the base for the Community Radio Network, supplying content to affiliated community stations outside of breakfast hours until its integration with Classic Hits in 2001. After this merger, non-breakfast programming was centralized from Auckland, and the station became Classic Hits Lakeland FM. The Taupō office remains located on Paora Hapi Street.
Following rebranding to The Hits, local breakfast programming was eliminated; initially, the station shared Rotorua’s daytime show.
Local programming: Discontinued in 2023.
Gisborne 90.9FM
Starting as 2ZG on 1010 AM and later branded as 'The Coaster 2ZG' on 945 AM, the station moved to 90.9 FM and adopted the Classic Hits 90.9 identity. Since 2018, no local shows have been produced.
Its premises are at the intersection of Grey Street and Childers Road in Gisborne.
Taranaki 90FM
The Hits Taranaki traces its origins to 2ZP Radio Taranaki, which broadcasted on 1053 AM in New Plymouth and 1557 AM in Hāwera (2ZH). Around 1992, it began simulcasting on 90.0 FM—the frequency formerly used by sister station Q90FM—before becoming '90FM Radio Taranaki' and later rebranding as Classic Hits 90FM in 1993.
Brent Procter, known as Barney, who hosted breakfast for many years, retired in December 2013.
Operating from Broadcasting House at Powderham and Brougham Streets in central New Plymouth, the station provided a local breakfast program until switching to Auckland networked content in 2017. Local programming continues during weekdays with Richard hosting from 9am to 3pm on both 90.0 FM (Taranaki) and 91.2 FM (South Taranaki).
Hawke's Bay 89.5FM
Originally broadcasting as Bay City Radio (2ZC) on 1280 AM (later adjusted to 1278 AM), the station shifted to FM in 1994 as Classic Hits 89FM - Bay City Radio and updated its name to Classic Hits 89.5 - Bay City Radio in 2002. Since January 2011, it has extended coverage to Wairoa via a relay on 99.7 FM.
Broadcasting from the historic Broadcasting House at Dickens and Dalton Streets in Napier, it maintained a local breakfast show during its transition to The Hits format—initially presented by Martin Good and Sarah Van Der Kley—both of whom departed by late 2018 when programming became networked from Auckland after 9am.
Local programming: Breakfast show with Adam Green and Megan Banks from 6am to 9am.
Whanganui 89.6FM
Launched as station 2XA in October of 1949 on 1200 AM, later renamed to 2ZW with a frequency shift to 1197 AM in 1978. It adopted the River City Radio branding in 1988 and became '89.6 River City FM' after moving to FM in 1993. The station joined the Classic Hits network in 2001 under the name Classic Hits River City FM.
Based at Guyton and Campbell Streets in Whanganui, all content has been networked from Auckland since 2018 with no locally produced shows remaining.
Manawatu 97.8FM
Initially known as 2ZA and transmitting on 940AM (later adjusted to 927AM), the station began simulcasting on 97.8FM in the early 1990s under the name 'AM-FM 2ZA'. It was subsequently rebranded as 'The New 98FM'. Upon joining the Classic Hits network, a temporary change to 'Greatest Hits 98FM' occurred due to a naming dispute with rival 2XS FM. After resolving this issue, the station adopted the title 'Classic Hits 97.8', later evolving into 'Classic Hits 97.8 ZAFM', reinstating elements of its original call sign.
Operating from Main Street in Palmerston North, the station currently functions entirely as a network feed without any local shows.
Kāpiti Coast-Horowhenua 92.7FM
This station originally broadcasted Classic Hits on 89.4FM, relaying Wellington’s Classic Hits 90FM, with origins tracing back to 1991 when it was known as 2ZB and subsequently B90FM. In 2001, the relay service was replaced by Newstalk ZB. Classic Hits returned to the Kapiti region in 2004, this time on 92.7FM—a frequency previously used by Sports Roundup/Radio Sport. Initially, it featured a local breakfast program but reverted to Wellington’s Classic Hits breakfast show in 2009. Following the transition to The Hits brand, local programming is now shared with Wellington.
Although local shows are absent, an office remains situated on Kapiti Road in Paraparaumu.
Wairarapa 90.3FM
The station began as 2XB in March 1958 on 840AM, changed its call sign to 2ZD in 1968, and moved to 846AM in 1978. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, it was recognized as Radio Wairarapa. In 1999, it launched FM transmissions under the name 90.1 Wairarapa FM. The Classic Hits Wairarapa branding was adopted in 2001, with a frequency shift to 90.3FM occurring in October 2010.
Since rebranding to The Hits in 2013, all content has been networked with no local broadcasts; however, a local office continues to operate on Church Street in Masterton.
Wellington 90.1FM
Originally serving as an FM repeater for Wellington’s 2ZB (89.8FM) during the early ’90s, this station relaunched as 'Goodtime Oldies B90FM', focusing on ’60s and ’70s music from Wellington studios without networked content. Around 1996, it transitioned to 'Classic Hits 90FM', adjusting its frequency from 89.8 to 90.0FM and offering a playlist spanning the ’60s through ’80s that differed from other Classic Hits outlets. Local programming persisted until network shows took precedence in 1998; meanwhile, the Kāpiti repeater was replaced by Newstalk ZB. On October 27, 2010, the frequency changed again to 90.1FM to meet regulatory requirements.
The station broadcasts from premises located at the intersection of Taranaki and Abel Smith Streets in central Wellington.
Local programming: Hayley Bath hosts the weekday daytime segment from 9am until 3pm while also contributing content for Auckland and network audiences.
Nelson 89.6FM
Starting as an FM simulcast of 'Radio Nelson' (1341 AM), this station became part of Classic Hits as Classic Hits 90FM, operating on Nelson City’s frequencies of 89.8 and the wider region’s 90.4 FM, with a Golden Bay relay on 1269 AM. By late 2006, frequencies were consolidated at 89.8FM before Nelson introduced Radio Hauraki on 90.6FM in early 2007. A nationwide frequency reshuffle later reassigned Classic Hits to 89.6FM and Hauraki to 90.4FM.
Kent Robertson presented Classic Breakfast until October 2012. Now known as 'The Hits 89-6', the station remains based at Selwyn Place in Nelson City. Scott Radovanovich hosted a local breakfast show covering Nelson and Marlborough until Auckland-based programming took over around late 2018. Currently, Hayden Rose presents the weekday show from 9am through to 3pm.
Marlborough 96.9FM
The station, initially launched in 1965 as 2ZE on 1540AM, underwent rebranding to Radio Marlborough and shifted to 96.9FM in 1991. In 2001, it adopted the name Classic Hits Radio Marlborough, while its AM frequency was reassigned to Radio Sport within the area. Broadcasting from Cavalier House in Blenheim, the primary transmitter is positioned in the Wither Hills, complemented by a secondary transmitter broadcasting on 89.1FM for Picton.
While operating under The Hits brand, the station offered local shows including a day and breakfast program hosted by Scott Radovanovich until late 2018, when Auckland-produced content replaced local breakfast segments. Presently, no locally produced programming originates from the Blenheim studios.
West Coast
Established in 1968 as Radio Scenicland on AM frequencies serving Greymouth, Westport, and Reefton, this station transitioned to FM in 1992 and joined the Classic Hits network around 2001. It currently broadcasts across various FM frequencies throughout the West Coast region. The station now operates entirely as a network feed from Auckland without any local programming.
Christchurch 97.7FM
Launching as B98FM in the early 1990s, this station experienced multiple Classic Hits brand iterations and maintained comprehensive local programming until 2002. Thereafter, local content was gradually scaled back until only the breakfast show remained by 2006. Originally based on Worcester Street in Christchurch, the studio relocated to Middleton following the 2011 earthquake.
Prominent hosts included Jason Gunn and Dave Fitzgerald until mid-2012 when they moved to a nationwide Drive show broadcast from Christchurch. Local breakfast programming returned in 2017 with Dave Fitzgerald and Brodie Kemp hosting shows also networked to Ashburton and Timaru; however, these were discontinued in March 2020. Since May 2017, a relay transmitter has served Kaikōura on 91.5FM.
Local programming: Connor Kito presents a weekday local show from 9 am to 3 pm for Christchurch listeners.
Ashburton 89.3FM
Originally known as 3ZE broadcasting on 873 AM, this station became part of the Classic Hits Community Radio Network and transitioned to 92.5FM in 2001 under the name Classic Hits 92.5 ZEFM, later adding frequencies at 89.3FM and 96.5FM.
Following its rebranding to The Hits, breakfast host Phil Hooper shifted to a daytime slot; however, due to listener dissatisfaction, The Radio Network introduced the Gore-based Hokonui brand on 92.5FM in Ashburton. Hooper then moved to host Hokonui's local breakfast show with other programs sourced from Southland or Dunedin. The Hits continued broadcasting on 89.3FM with fully networked content, while the 96.5FM frequency was reassigned to Radio Hauraki in 2014.
Between 2017 and 2020, The Hits Ashburton aired its breakfast show from Christchurch; currently, it broadcasts the networked breakfast but retains an office located in Somerset House, Ashburton.
South Canterbury 94.7FM/98.7FM
Originating as Radio Caroline on 1160AM (call sign 3XC) in 1949, the station switched to 1152AM (3ZC) in 1978.
It joined Classic Hits in 1995 under the name Classic Hits 99FM, then departed in 1998 to become part of the Community Radio Network as South Canterbury's 99FM, featuring local breakfast shows alongside networked programming from Taupō. In 2001, it rejoined Classic Hits as Classic Hits 98.7, with its AM frequency reassigned to Newstalk ZB.
From 2005 onwards, broadcasts expanded to include both 94.7FM and 98.7FM frequencies under the branding Classic Hits 98.7 and 94.7. Studios are situated on North Street in Timaru; previous premises on Sophia Street were demolished for parking development.
Following The Hits rebranding, breakfast announcer Sam Wilson moved to a daytime slot; Josh McIntyre took over hosting duties for Timaru and Oamaru audiences in 2014. McIntyre continued presenting a local breakfast show until its replacement by a Christchurch-based program in 2019 and subsequently by the networked breakfast show in 2020.
Oamaru 98.4FM
Initially known as Radio Waitaki broadcasting on 1395 AM, the station transitioned to FM as Classic Hits 98.4 Waitaki FM before eventually dropping the 'Waitaki' part from its name.
Following the rebranding to The Hits, breakfast presenter Josh McIntyre moved to a local daytime slot, then in 2014 shifted to Timaru’s breakfast show time, delivering a simulcast for both Timaru and Oamaru audiences.
Since 2017, The Hits Oamaru’s breakfast programming has been produced and aired from Dunedin.
Dunedin 89.4FM
Starting as 4ZB on 1044 AM, the station switched to FM in 1990, becoming ZBFM at 89.4 FM. It joined the Classic Hits network in 1993 under the name Classic Hits 89FM, later updated to Classic Hits 89.4. The studio is located on George Street.
Local shows: Breakfast hosted by Callum Procter and Patrina Roche from 6am to 9am.
Southern Lakes
Established in 2005 as Classic Hits Southern Lakes, this station serves Queenstown (90.4 FM), Wānaka (96.2 FM), and Alexandra (99.9 FM), operating out of Earl Street, Queenstown.
Southland 98.8FM
Formerly Southland's 4ZA on 864 AM, the station transitioned to FM during the early 1990s as Southland's 4ZA 98.8FM before joining Classic Hits as Classic Hits ZAFM. It previously broadcasted in Te Anau on 90.4 FM until that frequency was reassigned to Hokonui in 2022.
Longtime breakfast presenter John "Boggy" McDowell served from 1979 until 2012. Malcolm Gayfer contributed local news and sports coverage for a quarter-century until 2012; since then, local news broadcasts have ceased. More recent breakfast hosts included James McRobbie, Liv McBride, and Bradley Craig (BC). Following BC's exit and Liv McBride’s maternity leave, Southland began relaying Dunedin’s breakfast show until it was replaced by a national program in April 2020. Liv McBride returned in 2022 to host the daytime show from 10am to 3pm.
The Invercargill studios, situated at Don and Deveron Streets, also produce Marcus Lush’s evening program for Newstalk ZB along with content for Hokonui.
Events and promotions
The Hits organizes a wide range of promotional activities including retail events, vehicle and travel giveaways, and serves as the official radio partner for the Silver Ferns netball team, Fast5 Netball World Series, and various community netball competitions. During the 2014–15 seasons, it supported ANZ Championship franchises Northern Mystics, Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic, Central Pulse, Canterbury Tactix, and Southern Steel through ticket giveaways and player interviews.
Classic Hits has backed national music tours and artist tours, holding naming rights for the Acoustic Church and Winery Tours between 2012 and 2014 featuring performers such as Anika Moa, Boh Runga, Hollie Smith, Gin Wigmore, The Exponents, Stan Walker, and Breaks Co-Op. Local stations have participated in marathons, airshows, street racing events, Christmas celebrations, velodrome activities, driving ranges, and public health initiatives.
Several network stations support local branches of the Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA). In 2015, The Hits streamed live video of kittens from Auckland SPCA as part of a nationwide campaign promoting cat adoption alongside local adoption efforts.
News and information
The Hits delivers its own weekday news and sports updates utilizing NZME resources, while weekend bulletins are sourced from Newstalk ZB. Brin Rudkin anchors the breakfast Newsfeed segments on regional stations from 6 am to 9 am, followed by network-wide updates between 10 am and 12 pm. Megan Papas provides news, sports, and weather reports during the Jono & Ben network program airing from 6 am to 9 am.
Frequent traffic reports, including TimeSaver Traffic, are broadcast in key cities such as Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Hawke’s Bay, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin. Additionally, daily announcements regarding community events and cancellations are regularly aired.
Local presenters often share insights on regional happenings, political matters, and community organizations. Several hosts have held positions on local councils or participated in political campaigns. The station network has occasionally faced on-air disputes with competing broadcasters.
As one of the five nationwide civil defence broadcasters in New Zealand, The Hits plays a vital role during emergencies. Numerous local stations have actively disseminated civil defence information during critical events such as the 2010 Canterbury earthquake. Following damage to its Christchurch studio caused by the 2011 earthquake, the station continued operations from a temporary motel-based studio.
Website and social media
The Hits website attracts approximately 16,000 unique visitors daily and 43,000 unique visitors weekly, generating around 164,000 page views. Its primary audience comprises women aged 35 to 44 who are interested in purchasing furniture, appliances, vehicles, and holiday packages. Since its initial launch in 2005, the site has undergone redesigns in 2007, 2011, and 2014. It offers a variety of content including recipes, parenting advice, videos, event listings, photo galleries, competitions, and breaking news. The network also maintains active Twitter and Facebook accounts along with dedicated Facebook pages for each individual station.
Ratings
As of May 2025, The Hits commands the eighth-largest share of New Zealand’s commercial radio audience at 5.5%, positioning it second among NZME stations behind Newstalk ZB.
| Market | Station share | Change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| All markets | 5.5 | Template:Fluc | 8 |
| Auckland | 4.3 | Template:Fluc | 8 |
| Christchurch | 5.4 | Template:Fluc | 9 |
| Wellington | 4.7 | Template:Fluc | 7 |
| Waikato | 6.7 | Template:Fluc | 7 |
| Tauranga | 6.5 | Template:Fluc | 7 |
| Manawatū | 5.7 | Template:Fluc | 11 |
| Hawke's Bay | 9.8 | Template:Fluc | 5 |
| Northland | 5.4 | Template:Fluc | 8 |
| Dunedin | 7.0 | Template:Fluc | 7 |
| Taranaki | 9.6 | Template:Fluc | 5 |
| Nelson | 5.4 | Template:Fluc | 7 |
| Southland | 4.9 | Template:Fluc | 9 |
| Rotorua | 4.8 | Template:Fluc | 9 |