Auction 23, Licences for FM sound broadcasting

Auction 23, for five spectrum licences, was conducted as an online auction via the Trade Me website between 4 – 11 August 2021.

Sound Broadcasting Auction Catalogue for Auction 23 [PDF, 584 KB]

The winning bids are listed below:

Transmit Location Frequency Reserve Price (Incl. GST) Sale Price (Incl. GST) Winning Bidder Licence No
Grampians (Nelson City) 106.4 $47,205 $210,000 NZME 290092(external link)
Otematata (Waitaki District) 94.9 $1,150 $12,100 Mediaworks Radio Limited 290090(external link)
Otematata (Waitaki District) 106.1 $1,150 $10,350 Brian FM Limited 290091(external link)
83 Main Street Fairlie (Mackenzie District) 106.2 $1,150 $4,010 J B Valentine 290089(external link)
Mt Michael (Mackenzie District) 97.4 $1,150 $11,550 Mediaworks Radio Limited 290134(external link)

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

View Skylarc Asset Realisation's Homepage(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 23 2021 sample contract agreement [DOCX, 184 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)