About

Kōkako 96.1
A new kind of station built on ‘Indie beat and local heat ,” No ad breaks every three songs. No recycled Top 40. Just a steady stream of Aotearoa artists, underground and alternative music, and slamming discoveries worth tuning in for.

We’re here to celebrate the full spectrum, not just the chart-toppers, but the flat mates making music in bedrooms, the noisy garage gigs, and the loop-pedal freaks.

Join us live from 6-10pm every weekday!

Kōkako

The Kōkako is a bird endemic to New Zealand, that was once endangered and threatened with extinction. Thanks to passionate conservation efforts, it’s population is now recovering.

We see the Kōkako as a metaphor for radio. People said the video would kill the radio, then came music streaming, and many thought radio was done. But just like the Kōkako, radio has survived and it's ready to rise again.

Kōkako Station is here to revive radio for a new generation. With a fresh focus on indie rock and youth culture, we’re building a space where music, identity, and storytelling collide. Radio has changed for the better —it’s just getting started.

Behind the name

"We wanted to take an approach that hasn’t been tested before,” "We chose the name Kōkako to honour the rich cultural heritage of Aotearoa and to recognise the importance of te reo Māori for all New Zealanders. In doing so, we also acknowledge our own journey to learn and grow our understanding of the language and its significance. We aim to highlight the bird’s unique song, symbolic of the distinct sound and spirit our station brings to the airwaves. Just as the Kōkako was once considered critically endangered and threatened with extinction, our radio industry now faces similar challenges from the rise of large streaming platforms."

Did you know: The bird is found on the New Zealand $50 note!