531pi makes historic move to FM frequency

The National Pacific Media Trust (NPMT) is proud to announce a significant milestone for Pacific media as its iconic radio brand, 531pi, prepares to transition its Auckland broadcast from AM frequency to 102.2FM.

On Thursday, 16 April 2026, 531pi will officially move to its new home on the FM dial. After 35 years of dedicated broadcasting to the Auckland region via AM, this move follows the planned decommissioning of the AM transmission tower in Auckland by RNZ. Rather than seeing this as an end, NPMT has embraced the transition as a major leap forward in audio quality and accessibility for the city’s vibrant Pacific communities.

While the frequency is changing, the heart of the station remains the same. 531pi’s unwavering commitment to Pacific broadcasting continues, with the same beloved shows, Pacific music, and essential language programming that listeners have relied on for over three decades.

The National Pacific Media Trust Chief Executive, Don Mann, says the transition is a celebration of both the station’s legacy and its future.

"For 35 years, 531pi has been the heartbeat of the Pacific community in Auckland on the AM band. While the decommissioning of local AM infrastructure has necessitated this change, moving to 102.2FM is a momentous step that ensures our voices are heard with greater clarity and reach," says Mann. "This isn't just a technical change; it’s about ensuring our stories, our languages, and our music have a high-quality home on the airwaves for the next generation. We are excited to take our loyal listeners on this journey with us."

NPMT encourages all listeners to mark Thursday, 16 April 2026, in their diaries and share this historic news amongst family, friends, and church communities to ensure everyone stays connected.

The Board and CEO Don Mann wish to specifically acknowledge the vital support of the Ministry for Culture and Heritage and the Ministry for Pacific Peoples. A special note of gratitude is extended to Minister Paul Goldsmith and Minister Shane Reti for their direct support in facilitating this crucial transition from AM to FM, ensuring the continuity of this essential service.

This has also been made possible through the excellent working relationship between PMN and RNZ. By keeping PMN well-informed of the planned AM decommissioning process, RNZ provided the necessary runway that enabled PMN to engage in proactive decision-making and implement a seamless transition for its Auckland listeners.

While the Auckland frequency is changing, 531pi’s national FM network remains unchanged, and the station will continue to broadcast to Pacific communities across the country. Listeners can also continue to stream 531pi and its sister station, NiuFM, live at any time via www.pmn.co.nz.