Current and upcoming spectrum auctions

Information about current and upcoming spectrum auctions can be found on this page.

On this page

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 three FM commercial sound broadcasting licences: two licences at Kurow Exchange (Waitaki District), and one licence at Waihi (Hauraki District).

Licence Transmit Location Frequency (MHz) Spectrum Licence Number Reserve Price
(NZD Incl. GST)
Kurow Exchange
(Waitaki District)
92.0 412412(external link) $1,150
Kurow Exchange
(Waitaki District)
93.6 412414(external link) $1,150
Waihi (Hauraki District) 92.2 412904(external link) $2,357

A public auction for these licences will start on Wednesday 14 August 2024 on the Trade Me website, for a duration of seven days. Skylarc will manage the auction.

The licences are in the Crown’s name. We will transfer the licence(s) to the winning bidder(s) once you've paid Skylarc and signed the Crown's Agreement. Signing the agreement enforces the implementation rules for you to get your licence. This means you must:

  • Pay the winning bid price for each auction lot.
  • Set up your broadcasting service within 2 years of getting your licence. You need to be on air within 21 months or you could lose your frequency.
  • Pay an annual fee to keep your licence current. The licence is valid until 2 April 2031.

You may be able to change the licence parameters from those currently licensed. You 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.

View the Sound Broadcasting Auction Catalogue for Auction 28 [PDF, 441 KB]

View the Sound Broadcasting Auction 28 sample contract agreement [DOCX, 189 KB]

View Skylarc Asset Realisation's Homepage(external link)

Find an Approved Radio Engineer (ARE)