Auction 27

Auction 27, for two sound broadcasting spectrum licences, was conducted as an online auction via the Trade Me website between 4 - 11 October 2023.

Sound Broadcasting Auction Catalogue for Auction 27 [PDF, 383 KB]

The winning bid is listed below:

Transmit location Frequency Reserve price (Incl. GST) Sale price (Incl. GST) Winning bidder Licence no.
Two Peaks
(Central Hawkes Bay District)
96.4 $3,920 $3,920 No bids - sold to applicant Brian FM Limited 402243(external link)
Otahoua
(Masterton District)
103.9 $16,379 $16,379 NZME Radio Limited 402516(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 27 2023 sample contract agreement

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. Radio Spectrum Management (RSM) and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) provide no guarantees regarding access to land, infrastructure, or services in relation to any licence. These are matters for which licensees are directly responsible.

General information for broadcasters and bidders

Licensees may be able to 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)