Auction 22, Licences for FM sound broadcasting

Auction 22, for four spectrum licences, was conducted as an online auction via the Trade Me website between 21 – 28 October 2020.

Auction 22, for four spectrum licences, was conducted as an online auction via the Trade Me website between 21 and 28 October 2020.

Sound Broadcasting Auction Catalogue for Auction 22 [PDF, 541 KB]

The winning bids are listed below:

Transmit Location Frequency Reserve Price (Incl. GST) Sale Price
(Incl. GST)
Winning Bidder Licence No
Mt Stuart (Clutha District) 104.9 $3,807 $10,850 Brian FM Limited 278146(external link)
Richardson Road (Gore District) 104.0 $6,558 $40,200 Brian FM Limited 278147(external link)
Hilltop (Christchurch City) 100.7 $1,150 $13,000 Brian FM Limited 278148(external link)
Lyttelton (Christchurch City) 105.3 $2,851 $67,000 United Cultural Group Limited 278149(external link)

The auction was managed by Skylarc on behalf of Radio Spectrum Management.

View Skylarc online auctions experts(external link)

Terms and conditions for the winning bidder

Winning bidders must:

  • Set up a broadcasting service within two years of getting the licence. The service needs to be on air within 21 months or the licensee could lose the frequency.
  • Pay an annual fee of $150.00 per year to keep the licence current. Each licence is valid until 2 April 2031.

View the Sound Broadcasting Auction 22 2020 sample contract agreement [DOCX, 203 KB]

Having a licence doesn’t automatically give the right to broadcast from a certain site. Licensees need to talk to the site owner or landlord to get approval to broadcast from the preferred location.

General information for broadcasters and bidders

Licensees can modify the licence parameters from those currently licensed. The licensee needs to get an Approved Radio Engineer (ARE) to do this and pay engineering fees agreed with the ARE. We won’t accept modifications if they substantially decrease service to the public.

Find an Approved Radio Engineer (ARE)

Licensees may also need to pay:

  • A one off resource charge when the licence is modified for an increase in population coverage.
  • Levies to the Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA) under the Broadcasting Act 1989.
  • Performing rights and artist copy right or royalty fees to OneMusic NZ.

Broadcasting Standards Authority(external link)

OneMusic NZ(external link)