In a world of constant change it is comforting to have reminders of the way things used to be. This is how I felt about the iconic Waiheke bach hanging on to the hillside at the eastern end of Onetangi Beach. It seemed improbable in so may ways. To see it yesterday morning, strewn down the hillside like a carelessly discarded bag of rubbish, sent a chill through me like losing an old friend.

There are plenty of pictures on the web of the aftermath, lets just remember it like this.

Inspired by his baby son, Tiki Taane has written a beautiful and melodic song as a gift for all New Zealand children.

Starship Lullaby is the first single from the upcoming album In The World Of Light, (due for release in March 2011). All proceeds from every download of Starship Lullaby will be donated to Starship Children’s Hospital.

“I wrote this song for my son, Charlie Te Marama – I’m always singing and playing the guitar and it totally calms him down. One day when he was 3 months old, I was jamming some random chords and noticed he got really excited, every time I played them he went nuts. So off to the studio I went to piece the song together, and after a few days I had fleshed out the beginnings of the Starship Lullaby.

Full Story

This press release from Waiheke Radio will be in this weeks Gulf News

Local Radio Frequencies to Change

Waiheke radio stations are this week changing frequencies following a review of broadcasting regulations.

Community radio station Waiheke Radio will retain its existing frequencies, 88.3 and 107.4fm. Onetangi radio station Splash FM will broadcast on 87.6fm and 107fm in Ostend. Waiheke Wireless, operated by the Lazy Lounge in Oneroa, will shift to 88.0fm.

Waiheke Radio’s Chris Walker explained that the changes will be positive for listeners of all three stations as the new regulations have allowed the stations to have greater separation between frequencies, reducing the risk of interference.

The change also means all three stations may cover areas that they didn’t before. “People who haven’t been able to pick up a station should try again on the new frequencies”, said Chris Walker.

Radio regulations restrict all three Waiheke stations to broadcasting on low power FM frequencies. Reception will be improved by use of an aerial. Inexpensive wire aerials are available at many electronic goods stores.

To help celebrate the day we will be playing 6 hours of  Christmas music including some old classics along with something for the young ones and all commercial free.