Radio New Zealand International (RNZI) has confirmed there will be no reduction of its service to Pacific broadcast partners after ABC Radio Australia closed its international shortwave transmission service to Papua New Guinea and the Pacific on 31 January 2017.

RNZ CEO, Paul Thompson says RNZI has an important relationship with New Zealand’s Pacific neighbours spanning 25 years.

“Remote parts of Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu who may be feeling the loss of the ABC can rest assured RNZI will continue to provide independent, timely and accurate news, information and weather warnings as well as entertainment to its Pacific listeners.”

RNZI has been broadcasting to the Pacific since 1990 and has proven to be a vital lifeline during times of disaster.

It broadcasts in digital and analogue short wave to radio stations and individual listeners across the Pacific.

Timely cyclone and tsunami warnings via shortwave can continue to be heard if local broadcasters go off the air because of cyclones or other disasters.

Mr Thompson said that RNZI’s role is essential in the Pacific.

“A Vanuatu villager has told our reporter Koroi Hawkins that he knew to take shelter during Cyclone Pam just because of the warnings broadcast on RNZI. At times like this we are the essential voice of the Pacific,“ he said.

The closure of Radio Australia’s shortwave services is a budget saving move to reinvest in a more robust FM transmitter network.

The ABC says [2] “The move is in line with the national broadcaster’s commitment to dispense with outdated technology and to expand its digital content offerings including DAB+ digital radio, online and mobile services, together with FM services for international audiences.”