Introducing: The 2025 Aotearoa Alternative Awards

Five student radio stations across the motu make up the Student Radio Network — together, they represent Aotearoa New Zealand’s contemporary, alternative music and broadcast community.

The network consists of 95bFM (Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland), Radio Control 99.4FM (Te Papaioea, Palmerston North), RadioActive 88.6FM (Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington), RDU 98.5FM (Ōtautahi, Christchurch), and Radio One 91FM (Ōtepoti, Dunedin).

Presented in association with Irirangi Te Motu | NZ On Air, and with the incredible support of our sponsors,the 2025 Aotearoa Alternative Awards celebrate emerging local musicians and the passionate volunteers who breathe life into our stations and communities.

This year’s ceremony will be held at Te Papaioea, Palmerston North, and hosted by local station Radio Control 99.4FM.

Station Manager Michael Tile Vamaua says, “Control is beyond excited to host this year’s ceremony! We can’t wait to celebrate all the amazing mahi of our dedicated volunteer community and the creativity of our musicians — the passion and lifeblood that flows through the SRN!”

The ceremony kicks off at 7pm on Saturday, 8 November, and will be streamed LIVE at srn.nz, as well as simulcast across all five SRN station FM frequencies throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.

Regional watch parties will take place in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland (95bFM), Ōtautahi Christchurch (RDU 98.5FM), and Ōtepoti Dunedin (Radio One 91FM).

Staff and volunteers from Te Whanganui-a-Tara / Wellington’s RadioActive 88.6FM will be road-tripping to join in the ceremony!

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