RADIO
DUNEDIN
Keeping it local since 1922. One of New Zealand's oldest radio stations, now proudly part of the Radio Aotearoa network.
Keeping it local since 1922
ON AIR FOR
100+ YEARS
The First Broadcast
On the 17th November 1921 the first radio broadcast was made in NZ when the head of physics at the Otago University, Professor Robert Jack, broadcast from the University of Otago.
The Otago Radio Association
By mid 1922 there was enormous growth in interest in radio. On the 1st August 1922 the inaugural meeting of the Otago Radio Association was held. The first broadcast used the call sign DN, then each Tuesday and Friday evening on 1000 kc with a power of 50 watts from the old Technical School Building in Moray Place. Over the next seventeen years the station used call signs 4AB and 4ZB.
4ZD & 4XD
When the government's commercial ZB network was set up in 1937, the Radio Association's call sign was changed to 4ZD, then to 4XD in 1948.
50th Anniversary
50 years of broadcasting by 4XD was celebrated in October 1972 with a special Anniversary dinner at La Scala and a week-long outside broadcast from the window of the then DIC in the Octagon — probably the station's first ever outside broadcast. OB equipment was kindly provided by the NZBC.
Going Commercial
In late 1989 the Labour Government deregulated broadcasting in NZ. In October 1990, 4XD went full time commercial. The call sign was retired and the station was renamed 'Radio Dunedin'. The historic '4XD' call sign has since been reintroduced in recent years.
Radio Otago Era
From 1993, Radio Dunedin was part of Radio Otago (which later became RadioWorks and MediaWorks). Neil Collins and Owen Rooney were popular presenters during many years of high rating success.
100 Years on Air
100 years of broadcasting was celebrated in October 2022. A full history is available in the book "On Air for 100 years — The Otago Radio Association 1922–2022" by Jim Sullivan.
Partnership with Radio Aotearoa
In a challenging media environment, Radio Dunedin's survival is thanks to a partnership with Radio Aotearoa. Programmes from Radio Aotearoa air on weekdays. On weeknights and weekends, the station's programmes are presented by volunteer announcers of the Otago Radio Association — volunteer power continues to be significantly valuable into our second century.
WHAT'S ON
Big Tony's Big Breakfast
Tony Amos
Start your morning the big way with the best mix of classic hits and local news.
Morning Mix
Radio Dunedin
Easy listening to carry you through the morning.
Afternoon Drive
Radio Dunedin
The best of local and national music to get you through the afternoon.
Volunteer Programmes
Otago Radio Association
Presented by the dedicated volunteer announcers of the Otago Radio Association — the heart of Radio Dunedin.
NEWS
Otago Radio Association celebrates another year of volunteer broadcasting
June 2026Radio Dunedin partnership with Radio Aotearoa continues to grow
May 2026Dunedin community rallies around local radio as listener numbers rise
April 2026Community radio stations across Aotearoa see surge in listenership
June 2026Broadcasting Standards Authority releases new guidelines for community stations
May 2026Radio Aotearoa network expands reach to new regions
April 2026TUNE IN TO RADIO DUNEDIN
106.7 FM · Dunedin and beyond