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Radio One 91FM

Radio One 91FM

Radio One 91FM is Dunedin’s student radio station, broadcasting on 91.0MHz from the University of Otago since 6 February 1984. Owned and operated by OUSA, the station played a central role in the Dunedin Sound era of the early 1980s, championing Flying Nun Records artists including The Chills, The Bats, Sneaky Feelings, and The Verlaines when commercial radio would not. Among its alumni are Shayne Carter, Jan Hellriegel, and Lesley Paris. In 1987 it became the first radio station in the world to broadcast news of the Fiji coup. Still active as the voice of Ōtepoti student music culture.

The Wait

New Zealand band active in the mid-1980s, releasing two EPs on Ode Records including the radio-played ‘The Burma Road’. Members went on to form the Dough Boys and The Reactions.

The Same

Dunedin school punk group formed over Labour Weekend 1978 by Martin Phillips (The Chills), Jeff Batts, Craig Easton (The Verlaines) and Alistair Dunn. Three songs written by Phillips for The Same became The Chills’s contribution to the famed Dunedin Double compilation.

Bickertons Pub (formerly Aranui Tavern), 317 Pages Road, Aranui, Christchurch

Aranui Tavern

The Aranui Tavern at 317 Pages Road was a working-class pub in Christchurch’s eastern suburbs that became one of the city’s most significant live music rooms from the mid-1970s through the 1980s. Bon Marché and The Newz held a three-year residency from 1978 to 1981, nurturing emerging acts including Pop Mechanix and the Dance Exponents — whose own Aranui residency led directly to their Mushroom Records signing in 1982.

Allen Street Rock Club

Allen Street

Biography Allen Street Rock Club occupied a former motorcycle shop at 32 Allen Street in central Christchurch, opened as a live music venue in the post-earthquake rebuild era. The interior was designed by Dean Johnstone — a set designer with… Read More »Allen Street

The Spirals

Wellington pop group active 1989–1992, fronted by vocalist Belinda Bradley. Known for lush, melodic rock with saxophone and keyboard textures, they released two 1989 singles and the 1992 BMG single Normal before going on hiatus. Reunited in 2025 for their first show together in 30 years.

DOG Power

Christchurch duo formed in 2017 by vocalist Sam Perry and Henry Nicol, blending experimental textures, 1980s pop aesthetics, and cinematic electronics. Released a self-titled debut on Flying Nun Records in 2018 before relocating to Serbia.

95bFM

95bFM

95bFM is Auckland’s student and independent radio station, broadcasting on 95.0FM from the University of Auckland since 1969 — first as the pirate Radio Bosom and then as the licensed 95bFM from 1990. New Zealand’s longest-standing independent broadcaster, it championed Flying Nun Records and first broke Sister Underground, OMC, Che Fu and Savage on Auckland radio, founded the bNet NZ Music Awards in 1999, and in 2005 conducted the interview in which Don Brash admitted foreknowledge of the Exclusive Brethren’s election campaign.

Surf Friends

Auckland psych-surf duo formed in 2009 by Brad Coley and Pete Westmoreland. Drawing on the jangle-pop heritage of Flying Nun bands, they blend driving guitars, drum machines and synth loops into a sun-baked wash of post-punk and surf psychedelia. Released on Powertool Records and Flying Nun Records.

Kane Strang - Two Hearts and No Brain album cover

Kane Strang

Dunedin indie-rock and lo-fi pop musician who rose to international attention with his debut album Blue Cheese (2016) on Ba Da Bing Records and Flying Nun. His 2017 follow-up Two Hearts and No Brain on Dead Oceans drew widespread critical praise. He also performs as part of the trio Office Dog.

Concert at St Michael and All Angels Church, Christchurch

St Michael’s and All Angels Church

St Michael and All Angels is a Heritage New Zealand Category I Anglican church at 84 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch, designed by William Fitzjohn Crisp and consecrated in 1872. One of the largest timber Gothic Revival churches in the Southern Hemisphere, it survived the 2011 earthquakes intact and has served as a concert venue for Lawrence Arabia, Andrew Keoghan, Anika Moa, Boh Runga, Hollie Smith, Marlon Williams, and Holly Arrowsmith.