our Mission
Te reo irirangi o ngā tāngata o Manawatū - Manawatū People's Radio is a Community Access Media station dedicated to empowering the diverse voices of the Manawatū region. We provide the tools, training, and platforms for individuals and groups to create radio and podcast content that reflects their culture, interests, and values. Our mission is to ensure media access for all, especially those underrepresented in mainstream media.
Our History
Founded in 1997, MPR is the station governed by the Manawatū Access Media Charitable Trust. We’ve grown from a grassroots initiative into a vibrant media hub, broadcasting on 999AM and online. Our coverage spans from the coast to the gorge, and from north of Levin to south of Whanganui.
We are proudly supported by NZ On Air, grants, and community donations, operating under Section 36(c) of the Broadcasting Act.
Al Winder was a local radio programme-maker and host at MPR when we were called Access Manawatu. He was best known for hosting the weekly music show 6's & 7's at 8.
Kaiwhakahaere Fraser Greig dismantles the On Air desk ready for our studio upgrades in 2018.
Cat Pausé was the host of Friend of Marilyn, a body positivity show. Here she is live on air to celebrate 300 episodes!
Ian Johnston was a long time volunteer, trustee, host, teacher and even briefly an employee!
Broadcasters recording in the first production studio at Manawatū Sounz, located at Queen Elizabeth College in Palmerston North.
Christmas celebrations at the turn of the millennium.
Tomorrow's broadcasters and influencers live on the radio in the On Air studio of our QEC premises.
The first iteration of an Access Radio station studio in Manawatū c. 1999.
The first name of the station between 1998 and the turn of the millennium.
Access media in Manawatū went by the name Access Triple Nine until 2007.
What We Do
70+ shows in 12+ languages
Locally produced content available on 999AM and wherever you get your podcasts
Support for live and pre-recorded broadcasts, field recordings, and studio production
Training and mentorship for new and existing broadcasters
Promotion of local music and culture
Whether you're passionate about music, heritage, language, or social issues, MPR offers a space to share your voice.
Community Involvement
MPR is deeply embedded in the local community. We collaborate with:
Ethnic and cultural associations
Artists and musicians
Local historians, educators, activists and community workers
Youth and senior groups
We also host special series like:
The Morning show – featuring community interviews and featured music
The Showcase – highlighting local content of note, content from elsewhere in Aotearoa and limited run series
The Sunday Live Zone - footage from Live events past and present
our team
Our Trust board is chaired by Margie Comrie. Wendy Sullivan is our Treasurer. Other trustees are Mayette Maling-Cope, Ben Schmidt, Franco Vaccarino, Vicki Wills, Ruth Bateson, Richard Woolgar and Maree Gibson.
MPR Kaiwhakahaere (Manager) Fraser Greig oversees operations, alongside our talented and dedicated Content Team comprising of Kaituitui kaupapa pāho (Content Coordinator) Hugh Dingwall and Kaiāwhina pāho (Content Assistant) Milda Petrauskaitė.
Our Patron is Dr. Peter Cleave ONZM.
The Brazen Hussies perform at one of Many May Day Concerts MPR supported.
Many groups have represented their cultures and faiths at the Multicultural Council's "Songs and Praises" events. MPR was there to record, facilitate and broadcast!
The Combustible Lemons always found new and exciting ways to use the studios!
MPR is often out and about. The sculptures at Apiti Tavern were begging to be photographed during our Manawatū Sounds of Summer series.
Jeff Carr (on guitar) hosted a number of events around the region, promoting and encouraging local musicians young and old. MPR often lent a hand.
Hanz and Twudz performed at Cafe Royale as a celebration of Manawatū music.
Dirt Box Charlie were a Manawatū supergroup. We were stoked to get a Live-To-Air session from them!
MPR always gets involved in local democracy, even at Festival of Cultures. Fraser interviews our local MP and a selection of Palmerston North City Councillors.
our team
Our Trust board is chaired by Margie Comrie. Wendy Sullivan is our Treasurer. Other trustees are Mayette Maling-Cope, Ben Schmidt, Franco Vaccarino, Vicki Wills, Ruth Bateson, Richard Woolgar and Maree Gibson.
MPR Kaiwhakahaere (Manager) Fraser Greig oversees operations, alongside our talented and dedicated Content Team comprising of Kaituitui kaupapa pāho (Content Coordinator) Hugh Dingwall and Kaiāwhina pāho (Content Assistant) Milda Petrauskaitė.
Our Patron is Dr. Peter Cleave ONZM.