News
Back to ConnectionsSummer in the Square
Tuesday 24/01/2023
Throughout February, Aotea Square is home to a range of free events. Get the friends and whānau together for some summer fun!
Ngā mihi o te tau hou
Friday 06/01/2023
恭喜发财! Warm greetings for the arrival of both 2023, and of the new lunar year. This year we welcome the Rabbit
Wise around water
Monday 28/11/2022
Keep yourself and your loved ones safe in and around the water. Remember: If in doubt, stay out.
Ellen Melville Centre Community Collection
Monday 28/11/2022
Suncreen, sandals and sanitary products are among the items being collected for donation.
Meri Kirihimete
Monday 21/11/2022
It has been an incredibly challenging year for Planet FM, and we're hoping 2023 fares better
Movember
Tuesday 01/11/2022
This is the month to let your mo’ grow and show your support for men’s health. Can’t grow one? There are other ways to tautoko…
Vāiaho o te Gagana Tokelau
Sunday 23/10/2022
Mālō ni! Tokelauan Language Week is 23-29 October this year. Learn more about the culture and language of Tokelau…
Faahi Tapu he Vagahau Niue
Monday 17/10/2022
Ko e tau fakafiafiaaga he Vagahau Niue mo e tau Aga Fakamotu! Join us in celebrating Niue Language Week, October 16 -22
Vote 2022
Monday 19/09/2022
If you are eligible to vote in the local elections, you should have received your voting papers. Make sure you have a say in the running of your city.
Te Wiki o te Reo Māori
Monday 12/09/2022
September 12-18 is Wiki o te Reo Māori, Māori Language Week. Kaua e Whakamā - Kia Kaha! Don’t Be Shy - Give it a Try!
Tonga Language Week
Sunday 04/09/2022
Mālō e lelei! Tonga Language Week / Uike Kātoanga’i ‘o e Lea Faka-Tonga is on from September 4-10 this year. ‘Oku ke lea fakatonga?
We read Auckland
Monday 15/08/2022
Conversations and workshops with incredible Auckland authors and events highlighting Māori and Moana stories and storytellers to Drag Storytimes, special heritage collection tours, reading with dogs - and much more!
Cook Islands Language Week
Sunday 31/07/2022
The 2022 theme for Cook Islands Language Week is ‘Ātuitui’ia au ki te Oneone o tōku ‘Ui Tupuna: Connect me to the soil of my ancestors.
Kiribati Language Week
Sunday 10/07/2022
Mauri! Wikin te taetae ni Kiribati / Kiribati Language Week is July 10- 16 this year, celebrating the language and culture of Kiribati
Dry July
Friday 01/07/2022
A clear head and better sleep are just a couple of the many benefits of taking a break from the booze. Dry July encourages people to do that this month.
Mānawatia a Matariki
Tuesday 21/06/2022
In 2022, for the first time, a public holiday marks the Māori new year. Ngā mihi o te tau hou!
Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa
Sunday 29/05/2022
May 29 - June 4 is Samoan Language Week. Here are a few tips for beginners who want to get tautalatala with their Samoan speaking friends and aiga…
Can you lend an arm?
Friday 20/05/2022
Currently only 4% of kiwis roll up our sleeves and donate, yet approximately 3,000 donations are required each week to meet hospital needs.
Let’s speak up and stand up to bullying
Friday 20/05/2022
Pink Shirt Day is this Friday. It's about making a community where all people feel safe, valued and respected, regardless of age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, or cultural background.
Goodbye Carrington Road
Friday 01/04/2022
We're still on air but have moved our of out Carrington Road studios and await the completion of our forever home...
Testing and what to expect
Tuesday 01/03/2022
When do you use a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT), where can you access one and how does it work?
Are you ready?
Thursday 20/01/2022
Do you have a plan for if you or a member of your household tests positive for COVID-19? Now's the time to prepare...
Season's Greetings
Thursday 23/12/2021
All of us at Planet FM wish you a safe and relaxing summer. Take it easy, look after each other, and keep washing your hands!
How does it work?
Tuesday 23/11/2021
The COVID traffic light framework is now in place. So... what does that mean?
National Action Plan Against Racism
Wednesday 17/11/2021
What difference would a racism-free Aotearoa New Zealand make to your life? Have your say on the National Action Plan Against Racism
Macawa ni vosa vakaviti
Sunday 03/10/2021
Macawa ni vosa vakaviti / Fijian language week is Sunday 3 October - Saturday 9 October this year. Tovolea mada!
Vaiaso o te gana Tuvalu
Sunday 26/09/2021
Fākatalofa atu! Celebrate the language and culture of Tuvalu with us. Tuvalu Language Week is Sunday 26 September – Saturday 2 October.
Are you eligible?
Sunday 19/09/2021
Have you had your jab? If you're over 12 years old, you're probably eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine. It's free and available near you...
Conservation Week
Saturday 04/09/2021
Sept 4-12 is Te Wiki Tiaki Ao Tūroa / Conservation Week. Find out how you can get involved and help to take care of our unique natural treasures.
Stay tuned
Tuesday 24/08/2021
Lockdown makes broadcasting tricky, but we're still on air...
We're on the move!
Friday 16/07/2021
Planet FM has found its forever home and are now fundraising to make the move and settle in... forever! Find out more, including how you can support us
40 years of access!
Friday 21/05/2021
Did you know Planet FM is one of 12 community access radio stations in Aotearoa? And our sector is celebrating 40 years of community broadcasting!
Rotuman Language Week / Gasav Ne Fäeag Rotuạm Ta
Sunday 09/05/2021
Noa'ia 'e mạuri! May 9 – 15 IS Rotuman Language Week and there are events, resources and learning opportunities to be discovered…
Ramadan kareem!
Wednesday 14/04/2021
Planet FM wishes warm greetings to our Muslim friends and whānau as we enter the month of Ramadan
Pasifika Fest
Saturday 10/04/2021
Cancelled two years in a row and postponed again this year, Pasifika Festival is finally set for April 10-11. Save the date!
Seaweek
Saturday 06/03/2021
Seaweek is March 6-14 this year
Keep in touch!
Sunday 28/02/2021
The studios are a lot quieter than usual at Alert Level 3, but we're still doing our best to keep you informed, updated and entertained in your language
Waitangi Day
Friday 05/02/2021
Whether Waitangi Day is a source of pride, shame, reflection or confusion; let’s make it a day of meaningful discussion
Africa On Film
Thursday 26/11/2020
A cinematic celebration, the African Film Festival begins November 26. Discover stories of politics, love, artists, music, comedy and more.
Vote 2020
Sunday 11/10/2020
Election day is October 17 but advance voting is open. Make sure you are enrolled, informed and that you have your say!
Smear your mea
Monday 21/09/2020
The cervical cancer stats in Aotearoa are devastating. Remind all the women you love that screening is the best way to keep your teke meke!
Here we go again...
Tuesday 11/08/2020
We've done it before and we'll do it again. Auckland, we're in Level 3 and we can get through this together!
Preventative measures
Monday 10/08/2020
100 days free from community transmission of COVID-19 is great news. Let's keep it that way!
Plastic Free July
Wednesday 01/07/2020
Whether you’re driven by the impending doom of climate change or the plight of our marine wildlife, we need to tackle our addiction to plastic…
People Power
Thursday 11/06/2020
If our team of five million can eliminate Covid, what else can we get done together?
Getting through together
Monday 23/03/2020
There are services providing support and advice throughout lockdown as well as information in a range of languages…
International Women's Day
Saturday 29/02/2020
Calling for a more gender-balanced world is not about exclusion. It’s about sharing platforms, sharing opportunities and sharing power.
Fun and free
Wednesday 08/01/2020
Throughout summer you can enjoy free movie screenings in parks across the city. Find out which Movies in Parks event is on near you...
Diwali - Festival of Lights
Sunday 20/10/2019
A celebration of light over darkness, Diwali is celebrated here and everywhere, and Planet FM wishes everyone very happy festivities.
Reduce your use
Sunday 11/08/2019
Among everything else going on, Auckland is LOW on water, and we all need to do our bit to help...
Kim Hak: Alive
Saturday 01/06/2019
From June 2 Objectspace is home to a photographic exhibition that beautifully documents Cambodia’s painful past
Youth Week 2019
Saturday 18/05/2019
May 18-26 is Youth Week and the theme for 2019 is We are more than you see; He wai hōhonu a mātou. Find out what’s happening in Tāmaki Makaurau and beyond…
NZ Music Month
Tuesday 30/04/2019
May is New Zealand music month and the theme is “Discover Live”. There are gigs happening across the country throughout May, so get out there and find out who’s making great noise!
Kei hea ō kamuputu?
Friday 05/04/2019
The journey to mental wellness can’t be made alone! Telling someone to reach out for help is fine, but reaching out to offer help is just as important.
Positive action
Saturday 23/03/2019
Are we willing to turn the compassion we’ve seen in the last week into meaningful change? Are we willing to have difficult conversations about who we are?
In love and solidarity
Friday 15/03/2019
Our hearts and minds are with those most affected by the horrific events in Christchurch that claimed innocent lives
Measles: What you need to know
Monday 11/03/2019
Vaccination is important to help prevent further spread of the measles infection. Are you and your family up to date?
Language matters
Friday 15/02/2019
The value of language preservation is often underestimated, but it shouldn’t be. February 21 marks International Mother Language Day.
Interfaith Week
Sunday 27/01/2019
The first week of February marks International Interfaith Week. Whether you’re full-faith, no-faith, or somewhere in-between, a little understanding can go a long way
Summer in the city
Thursday 17/01/2019
This summer after you slip, slop and slap, why not slink along to some of the free movie and music events happening all over Tāmaki Makaurau?
Access Equity
Monday 03/12/2018
You don’t have to be directly affected by disability to support the inclusion and empowerment of people with disabilities.
Walking Waitākere
Friday 23/11/2018
Want to enjoy the wonderful Waitākere Ranges without contributing to the spread of kauri dieback? Good! There are plenty of great spots in the wild west…
Antibiotics Awareness
Sunday 18/11/2018
Our time with antibiotics is running out. The WHO has an urgent request: Think Twice and Seek Advice. Misuse of antibiotics puts us all at risk.
Meeting needs with Love
Saturday 22/09/2018
Jackie Clark of grassroots organisation The Aunties won this year’s NZ Women of Influence Supreme Award. Here’s why…
Forest and Bird
Wednesday 22/08/2018
Since 1923 Forest & Bird has played a crucial role in preserving New Zealand’s environment and native species. Find out about the work they do and how you can support them.
Auckland Plan 2050
Thursday 02/08/2018
Tackling the challenges of the future requires vision and planning. The Auckland Plan 2050 outlines the direction for this city and where we see ourselves in 30 years time.
Three Days for the Planet
Monday 04/06/2018
Arbor Day, World Environment Day, World Oceans Day – three days to help heal our home – Planet Earth. See tips on mutual support for all that sustains us.
Sea Change for Hauraki
Thursday 26/04/2018
Its bountiful waters nourished generations of people before us. It provided food, leisure and livelihood. Now, it is overfished and often unswimmable. Join the move to save the Hauraki Gulf.
Let's ditch disposable
Thursday 19/04/2018
There are 6.3 billion tonnes of plastic waste on Earth. The theme for Earth Day 2018 is “End Plastic Pollution” and looks at solutions, including saying no to single-use plastics.
Respect and Protect
Friday 13/04/2018
It is sad to have to avoid some of our beautiful walkways for a while… but not as sad as losing our kauri population. Forested areas and tracks in Waitākere will close from May 1.
Bee a good neighbour
Wednesday 04/04/2018
From “pollination paths” to community gardens, work is underway to ensure our precious bee population can survive and thrive. Help make Auckland a bee’s most liveable city!
The Many Meanings of Easter
Tuesday 27/03/2018
The Many Meanings of Easter are represented in our now commonplace eggs and rabbits. But why did these become the symbols of what we often think is a Christian festival?
Indigenous Peoples Rights
Thursday 10/08/2017
In Greenland and Colombia, Canada and Aotearoa, Australia and Indonesia – across the planet the original inhabitants of nations are struggling to retain their lands, their languages and lifestyles
Stories Beyond Refuge
Thursday 02/02/2017
One of the most compelling sculptures at the 2017 Sculpture on the Gulf Exhibition on Waiheke Island was a work by Tiffany Singh, developed in partnership with the Auckland Resettled Community Coalition.
Respect and Protect
Friday 13/04/2018
The prevalence of kauri dieback disease is proving devastating for our kauri trees.
After much consideration and consultation, Auckland Council has moved to closed forested areas of the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park.High risk tracks in Hunua Ranges areas, which so far appear to have been spared the infection, will also be closed as a protective measure. These restrictions will take effect from May 1, but there’s every reason to respect the cause by steering clear now.
As disappointing as it is to have to avoid these beautiful walks, this is about short term loss for long term gain. Without action, it is anticipated that kauri could be wiped out within our lifetime. With the correct measures in place, it’s possible that they will survive. Let’s be the generation who got this right!
Can you still enjoy the wild and wonderful west? Absolutely. Beaches and pasturelands will remain accessible, as will a limited number of tracks.
If you are in a forested area, particularly if you are in the north island, it’s advised that you treat the area as infected, even if you don’t believe it to be, and take the necessary precautions against spreading the infection. These include:
- Cleaning all soil off your footwear and other gear, every time you enter or leave a forest/area with native trees, and at every cleaning station.
- Using disinfectant only after you have removed all the soil.
- Staying on track and off kauri roots. A kauri’s roots can grow outwards 3x as far as its branches.
How long the restrictions will be in place will be discussed in the following months. For more information on kauri dieback and the areas that will be affected, visit the Auckland City Council website.
