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Current and upcoming spectrum auctions
Information about current and upcoming spectrum auctions can be found on this page.
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Auction 29, Licences for FM sound broadcasting
When someone applies for a new commercial sound broadcasting licence, we call for expressions of interest (EOI) as these types of licence are contestable. We have now released details for the sale of 2 FM commercial sound broadcasting licences: 1 licence at Hedgehope (Southland District), and 1 licence at Kaikohe (Northland District).
The licences for sale are:
- Hedgehope (Southland District) 105.2 MHz, licence ID 417524(external link), reserve price $36,581 incl. GST
- Kaikohe (Northland District) 90.8 MHz, licence ID 419007(external link), reserve price $4,219 incl. GST.
A public auction for these licences will start on Wednesday 9 July 2025 on Turners Group NZ Limited’s (Turners) website, for a duration of seven days. Turners will manage the auction.
Home (external link)— Turners
In order to participate in the auction all bidders are required to register with Turners by contacting Patrick Marsh via email or telephone.
+64 27 700 7045
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
- be on air within 21 months, or they could lose their frequency
- pay an annual fee to keep the licence current. The 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.
Sound broadcasting auction catalogue for auction 29 [PDF, 455 KB]
Sample sound broadcasting contract agreement for licences [DOCX, 60 KB]
Find an approved radio engineer
Help setting up a user account and using the RRF
In order 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.
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
New users must become a user in the RRF.
Existing users that haven’t logged into the RRF since 12 December 2022 need to follow steps to be onboarded.
Our contact centre can help with any issues with account set up and use of the RRF.