Radio Active 88.6FM (formerly 89FM) is Wellington's independent alternative radio station, founded in 1977 as Victoria University of Wellington's student station and named in protest against the visit of nuclear warship USS Truxton. Granted New Zealand's first FM licence in 1981, it became the second station in New Zealand to broadcast on FM on February 22, 1982. The station was the first to play Shihad and Head Like A Hole, launched New Zealand's first hip-hop show in 1983, released early Fat Freddy's Drop recordings on its own label, and ran the landmark One Love Waitangi Day festival. Rescued from closure in 2017 by a charitable trust, it continues to broadcast as New Zealand's longest-serving FM station.
Wellington indie rock singer-songwriter on Flying Nun Records. Winner of the 2024 Taite Music Prize for Ideal Home Noise. Albums include It’s Your Birthday (2021), Ideal Home Noise (2023), and Heaven Knows What Time (2026).
Wellington post-punk/ska band active 1981-1987, founded by Jon McLeary. Blended angular ska-punk with gothic-folk influences, releasing the celebrated 'Fishing' EP on Ripper Records. Their song 'Your Body Stays' became TV personality John Campbell's all-time favorite NZ song.
The early 2000's recording outfit of Jordan Reyne. Built around Reyne's strong vocals and a variety of musicians, mostly of the studio-pro variety (which currently includes Trinity Roots' Rikki Gooch).
