NZME Radio will launch Hokonui Radio, a dedicated rural radio station in Hawera, NZ on April 7. Listeners can now tune in on 88.2FM or 1557AM.

Local talent Bryan Vickery will be moving from Coast to host the new Hokonui Breakfast show from 6am to 9am weekdays.

 “It’s a privilege to be the first presenter to front the Hokonui Breakfast show,” Vickery says. “I’m excited because its local radio at its very best. Plus the music will be awesome with one great song after another.

“Hokonui is a radio brand that already celebrates dynamic rural communities around the country and will be a great fit for South and Central Taranaki. I have lived and worked in Taranaki for the last 15 years and this new station aims to keep locals entertained and informed. With 1,200 dairy farms and more than 370,000 dairy cows in South Taranaki alone, Hokonui Radio will also feature Jamie MacKay’s very popular Farming Show.”

General Manager Central Region for NZME Radio, Greg Murphy says, “Hokonui Radio has been deliberately launched in Hawera due to the strong rural community, who we believe will be attracted to all the station offers.

“Launching Hokonui Radio does mean a few frequency changes for the listeners in the area. We thank the Hawera community for taking the time to readjust their radio dials and for their ongoing support of Hokonui Radio, Coast and Newstalk ZB.