Current and upcoming spectrum auctions
Information about current and upcoming spectrum auctions managed by Radio Spectrum Management (RSM).
Auction 31 – Licences for FM sound broadcasting
Applications for the 3 sound broadcasting licences listed below were received before the commercial sound broadcasting licensing moratorium commenced at 5pm on 20 February 2026.
When someone applies for a new commercial sound broadcasting licence, we call for expressions of interest (EOI) as these types of licence are contestable.
The following 3 FM commercial broadcasting licences are now available for auction:
| Transmit location | Frequency | Licence ID | Reserve price (incl. GST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RWKMGO – Mangakino (South Waikato District) | 100.4 MHz | 431251(external link) | $4,423 |
| 42 Paeroa Range (Rotorua District) | 106.0 MHz | 431252(external link) | $1,359 |
| RMWONU – Ohura (Ruapehu District) | 105.5 MHz | 432155(external link) | $1,150 |
Licence details:
- Licence ID: 431251(external link) – Register of Radio Frequencies (RRF)
- Licence ID: 431252(external link) – Register of Radio Frequencies (RRF)
- Licence ID: 432155(external link) – Register of Radio Frequencies (RRF)
Auction details
- Start date: Wednesday 1 July 2026
- Duration: 7 days
- Auction platform: Turners Group NZ Limited's (Turners) website
- Auction manger: Turners
Auctions(external link) – Turners
To participate, bidders must:
- Register with Turners by contacting Patrick Marsh on +64 27 700 7045 or email Patrick.Marsh@turners.co.nz.
- Complete registration at least 48 hours before auction starts.
- Ensure all overdue licence, administration fees and spectrum resource charges are paid.
Account creation(external link) – Turners
To own a sound broadcasting licence, you will need to become a registered user in the Register of Radio Frequencies (RRF). This register holds licence information on all radio and spectrum licences allocated in New Zealand.
Note: You must have a RealMe login before you can complete onboarding.
We have instructions on how to create a RealMe login and how to log in to the RRF:
Log in to the Register of Radio Frequencies (RRF)
New users must become a user in the RRF.
Become a registered user in the RRF
Existing users that haven’t logged into the RRF since 12 December 2022 need to follow steps to be onboarded.
Help setting up a user account and using the RRF
RSM’s contact centre are best placed to assist with any query on account set up and use of the RRF.
In New Zealand, for the quickest response, call RSM’s contact centre on 0508 RSM INFO (0508 776 463).
The licences are in the Crown’s name. We will transfer the licence(s) to the winning bidder(s) once they have paid Turners and signed the Crown's Agreement. Signing the agreement enforces the implementation rules for them to get their licence. This means they must:
- Pay the winning bid price for each auction lot.
- Set up their broadcasting service within 2 years of getting the licence. They need to be on air within 21 months or they could lose the frequency.
- Pay an annual fee to keep the licence current. Each licence is valid until 2 April 2031.
Licence holders may be able to change the licence parameters from those currently licensed. They need to get an approved radio engineer to do this to certify a planned licence modification. We won’t accept modifications if they substantially decrease service to the public.
Notification of moratorium on applications and modifications of AM/FM commercial sound broadcasting licences: December 2025
Work is underway to renew AM/FM licences, and a moratorium on new AM/FM commercial licenses and commercial licence modifications will be in place from 5pm 20 February 2026 until late 2026 to support this project. The date when the moratorium is to be lifted will be confirmed closer to the time.
There is very limited scope to make changes to existing commercial licences during the moratorium. It is expected that any requests would be prompted by factors beyond the control of operators and which cannot wait until the moratorium is lifted, such as unexpectedly losing access to a transmission site at short notice. If a modification is required during the moratorium period, a statutory declaration form will be required. This will be available after the moratorium has started, on 20 February 2026, by request made to crownspectrum@mbie.govt.nz.
For full details of the commercial licensing moratorium, see:
AM/FM radio spectrum: 2031 expiry of licences and potential reassignment