531PI moves to FM after 35 years, securing future for Pacific voices in Tāmaki Makaurau

After 35 years on the AM band, 531PI has officially moved to 102.2FM in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, a major moment for Pacific Media Network (PMN) and the communities it serves.

The change, confirmed on Thursday, marks a new chapter for one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most recognised Pacific broadcasters as the network adapts to a changing media landscape.

“It’s a big day for PMN but also more importantly, the listeners as well,” Chief Executive Don Mann told William Terite on Pacific Mornings.

The move comes as Radio New Zealand (RNZ) steps away from owning transmission towers, which ends AM broadcasting infrastructure that stations like 531PI have relied on for decades.

That shift forced PMN to find a new path and led to months of work with government agencies to secure its future on the airwaves.

Mann said the organisation began discussions with then Minister for Pacific Peoples Dr Shane Reti to access an unused FM frequency in Auckland.

“We spoke to him about, yes, whilst we can go streaming, if we end AM and go streaming, the reality is that our older audience, it’ll be the end of Pacific radio traditional transmission,” Mann said.

The proposal was eventually backed by Reti and Broadcasting Minister Paul Goldsmith and taken to Cabinet where it was approved late last year, clearing the way for 531PI to move to 102.2FM.

531PI hosts in Auckland, part of the team behind one of Aotearoa’s longest-running Pacific radio stations. Photo/PMN

“It’s a remarkable thing to be involved with and a remarkable thing to watch,” Mann said.

Despite the frequency change, the station’s identity remains the same. “It’s 531. It’s not changing,” he said. “That’s a testament to what this organisation has been able to do over the 35 years.”

While AM broadcasting will end in the coming days, Mann is confident listeners will follow the station to FM and digital platforms.

“The message will find its way. It’s not going to be perfect but hey, it’s what it is. It’s a big jump.”

Beyond radio, PMN continues to grow its presence across streaming, social media, and video, reaching Pacific audiences both in Aotearoa and overseas.

“The reality is 531 today, we’re found in many different forms, in all forms of media, by anyone, anywhere in the world,” Mann said.

Watch Don Mann's full interview below.

But the moment is also about recognising the people behind the station’s legacy.

“There’s a lot of people, blood, sweat and tears, to build this network over 35 years,” he said.

For Pacific communities, the move to FM is more than a technical change - it is about protecting a trusted voice for the future.

“At the end of the day… if we can keep this place going, keep it stable, keep it relevant, make sure that our audiences trust us and they can find us, that’s all we can ask for," Mann said. "And that’s what today’s about."