03 Oct Tūmeke FM and Reo Rangahau success at 2026 NZ Radio & Podcast Awards

Iwi radio station Tūmeke FM with ‘Reo Rangahau’, by Professor Taiarahia Black, has been awarded Best Te Reo Māori / Te Āo Māori Initiative at the 2026 NZ Radio and Podcast Awards which recognise excellence across Aotearoa.

Tūmeke FM Station Manager, Jarrod Dodd, says the win is a powerful acknowledgement of Professor Black’s contribution to te reo Māori, mātauranga Māori and Māori broadcasting.

“To see Professor Taiarahia Black recognised nationally is something we are incredibly proud of. His reo, his mātauranga and his ability to bring depth and meaning to our airwaves is a taonga for our people. Reo Rangahau is exactly the kind of kaupapa Tūmeke FM exists to support. It strengthens te reo Māori, gives mana to mātauranga Māori and ensures our stories, our kupu and our worldview continue to be heard.”

Tūmeke FM was also selected as a finalist in Best Broadcast in Te Reo Māori for Tūmeke FM shows, standing alongside other strong reo Māori broadcasters from across Aotearoa.

For Tūmeke FM, the finalist recognition reflects the station’s collective kaupapa. The voices heard on air are supported by a much wider team, including Professor Taiarahia Black, the Pūkāea news team, account managers, producers, support staff, governance, trustees, whānau, iwi, clients and listeners. Together, they help keep te reo Māori, local Māori stories and kaupapa Māori broadcasting strong across the rohe.

Dodd says the results are a reminder that local radio and Māori broadcasting continue to matter.

“Radio still connects people in a way few other platforms can. It keeps communities informed, entertained and connected. For us, it is also about reflecting who we are, where we come from and the people we serve.”

The 2026 NZ Radio and Podcast Awards received 636 entries from across the industry. RBA Chief Executive and Awards Chair Clare Bradley said the quality of the work showed why podcast audiences are growing and radio audiences remain strong, with more than 3.7 million listeners aged 10 and over listening each week.