Our mission Statement

Access Radio Taranaki 104.4FM (ART) provides resources for Taranaki people, not normally heard on mainstream media, to make their voices heard.

By the community

Access Radio Taranaki Heart illustration

For the community

Access Radio Taranaki Heart illustration

About The Community

Access Radio Taranaki Heart illustration

By the community

Access Radio Taranaki Heart illustration

For the community

Access Radio Taranaki Heart illustration

About The Community

Access Radio Taranaki Heart illustration

By the community

Access Radio Taranaki Heart illustration

For the community

Access Radio Taranaki Heart illustration

About The Community

Access Radio Taranaki Heart illustration

By the community

Access Radio Taranaki Heart illustration

For the community

Access Radio Taranaki Heart illustration

About The Community

Access Radio Taranaki Heart illustration

By the community

Access Radio Taranaki Heart illustration

For the community

Access Radio Taranaki Heart illustration

About The Community

Access Radio Taranaki Heart illustration

By the community

Access Radio Taranaki Heart illustration

For the community

Access Radio Taranaki Heart illustration

About The Community

Access Radio Taranaki Heart illustration
A photo of Access Radio Taranaki team 2025
Our story | Tƍ Tātou PĆ«take 

Celebrating Taranaki

Access Radio Taranaki (ART) is a vibrant and community-focused radio station dedicated to providing a broadcast platform for the people of Taranaki.

We are driven by inclusivity, creativity, and the belief that everyone has a story worth telling.

As a community radio station, we offer a multi media platform to our inclusive community to engage, inform, and inspire those living within our region and beyond.

How we began

Where we started

A photo of the original Access Radio Taranaki location on the hill shot at night

104.4FM and streaming online ever since, offering a space for individuals, groups, and communities across Taranaki to share their voice. The brainchild and dream of the Keighley family who, together, built and ran the station for the first few years with the help of a team of dedicated and loyal volunteers and part-time employees.

A photo of ART Station Founders Alessandra (left) and Daniel (right)

Now, we have a team of five staff and a huge number of Content Creators and contributors. We’re not just another radio station — we are a part of a nationwide network of independent community radio stations, all part of CAMA (Community Access Media Alliance).  

What sets us apart is simple: we are here to serve our community by the community.  We offer a platform for all to share their opinions, stories and information.

Whether you're tuning in live on the radio, streaming our shows online, or listening to our podcasts on-demand, we’re here to keep Taranaki connected and informed.

Community Access Media Alliance logo

Our Team

Tracey Blake

Station Manager
Tracey Blake

I’m delighted to have joined the team at ART since late November 2024. With a background in commercial broadcasting, I look forward to connecting with the community around Maunga Taranaki and building our already wide base of programme makers. We’ve such a passionate team here at Access Radio Taranaki, who are all here to support and encourage you every step along the way, so let’s connect and explore the possibilities.

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Anne Dawson

Programme Manager
Anne Dawson

It's easy to come to work each day. I am lucky to work with a great bunch of dedicated people who are all very talented in their roles and who make everyone that walks through the door feel welcomed and safe. I love seeing our show makers as their confidence grows and they become accustomed to having their voices heard. I love being part of an organisation that is recognised as having integrity and a valued place in the community.

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Michelle Bent

Community Liason
Michelle Bent

Working at Access Radio Taranaki gives me the chance to help all kinds of people have their voices heard. I love that every day brings new challenges, and new opportunities to work with the community. When not helping people on their broadcasting journeys, I enjoy hanging out with family and friends, gardening, reading, and exploring the great outdoors.

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Kris Johnson

Production Assistant
Kris Johnson

Working at Access Radio Taranaki allows me to meet and work with people from all walks of life and learn new skills along the way. I've learned that we have a cool community willing to share a story and have fun at the same time. When not behind the mic I'm listening to the latest music, and I'm not afraid to share it with everyone.

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Phill Spear

Community Liason
Phill Spear

Working at Access Radio Taranaki gives me huge satisfaction in being able to connect with the inspiring individuals and groups that make up our unique community. Away from the radio, you’ll find me indulging in my passion for improvised theatre or exploring the natural wonders of Taranaki.

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Board of Trustees

Cathy Thurston

Chair
Cathy Thurston

Welcome to Access Radio Taranaki 104.4FM - your community access radio station. We’re here to offer a broadcast voice to you – the people of Taranaki. It’s your voice, your choice

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Noel Cave

Trustee
Noel Cave

This is a true, local community radio station, allowing interesting individuals, groups and community organisations to express themselves, provide entertainment and views at the coal-face in a very hands-on way. Outside of Access, what I most love doing is my garden, which is very special.

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John Middleton

Trustee
John Middleton

I have been a trustee for Access Radio Taranaki Trust since the station began. I am supportive of the ethos of the station and I am very proud of what ART has achieved in its first 8 years. I have been privileged during that time to meet and learn from many of the show makers and the wonderful staff who work very hard to ensure the success of the enterprise.

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Todd Wolfe

Trustee
Todd Wolfe

Access Radio is one of the few media outlets that enables a community to have its say and that is why said yes to the invitation to join its board. Communities need to have their say. I have been involved in numerous community initiatives in New Plymouth over my time. The staff are passionate and skilled with an attitude of ‘watch this space’ because you know something exciting is going to happen.

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Anne-Sophie Issah

Trustee
Anne-Sophie Issah

Access Radio is one of the few media outlets that enables a community to have its say and that is why said yes to the invitation to join its board. Communities need to have their say. I have been involved in numerous community initiatives in New Plymouth over my time. The staff are passionate and skilled with an attitude of ‘watch this space’ because you know something exciting is going to happen. Why wouldn’t one want to be involved?

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Become an ART supporter

By becoming an ART Supporter, you will be helping to keep independent, community-driven radio alive. Your contribution empowers local voices, nurtures creativity, and strengthens Taranaki's airwaves.
Make a difference today
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NZ on air logoToi Foundation lgoo on whiteNew Plymouth District Council logo on white
Supported by Lotto | NZ Lottery Grants Board logoThe COGS logo on whiteThe Primo lgoo on whiteSilks Audit logo
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