Spectrum 931. Eleven hundred and eleven days at sea

Rights Information
Year
1996
Reference
23272
Media type
Audio
Item unavailable online
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Rights Information
Year
1996
Reference
23272
Media type
Audio
Item unavailable online
Duration
00:36:08
Credits
RNZ Collection
Alistair McAlpine
Radio Hauraki

In the mid-1960s a group of young broadcasters set out to defy government authorities and break the NZBC monopoly of the airwaves. They established the pirate radio station, Radio Hauraki, on board a ship outside New Zealand's territorial waters.

Alistair McAlpine tells the story of their struggle to establish the voice of private radio, through interviews with Radio Hauraki founders Derek Lowe, Chris Parkinson, David Gapes and Doc O'Callahan. [Archival sound recordings and music tracks throughout this recording.]

Actuality: Radio Hauraki station ID
Older politicians don't like young people bucking radio system. Derek Lowe Pirates keep plans secret from politicians and officials because control of broadcasting at stake. Derek Lowe.
Pirate radio seems easy – just get some money and a boat. MV Tiri found but is dilapidated hulk and needs much work. (Speakers for rest of programme are mostly unidentified but include Derek Lowe and Chris Parkinson, interviewed together on the Auckland waterfront.)

Poor condition of Tiri used to delay pirates by Marine Department.
Key role of Jack Scott, Minister of Broadcasting, Marine, and Postmaster General.
Scott unofficially on pirate's side. Would help but has to be seen to toe government line.
Description of upgrading and equipment needed on Tiri.
Transmitter kept hidden. Pirates get financial support but also need to keep public interested.
Never going to get seaworthy certificate so decide to put to sea anyway.
Dramatic story of attempt to sail out of Auckland harbour but run aground at low tide and police lower viaduct to block Tiri. Brawl on board with police. Large crowd of pirate supporters. Tiri sails but arrested by police launch. Crowd harass police.
Crowd at waterfront probably New Zealand's first mass youth protest.
Humiliating processing at Auckland police station. Bail granted. Pie cart story. Court appearance pending.
Auckland Town Hall emotive public meeting in support of pirates. Near riot at bottom of Queen St.
Pirates win court case and Tiri sails quietly for Hauraki Gulf.
Actuality: Test transmission from Tiri. Good signal and plenty positive audience feedback.
Tough conditions at sea take toll of transmitter masts.
Lead-up and grounding of Tiri off Great Barrier island.
Actuality: Radio Hauraki describing Tiri's plight on rocks and abandon ship. Paul Lineham
Actuality: Hauraki on the rocks
Back to square one. Tiri is beyond repair. New ship supplied by financial backer Jim Frankham and one month later Tiri 2 back at sea.
Actuality: Radio Hauraki.
Description of Tiri 2 hit by Wahine storm 10 April 1968.
Smooth sailing for next 15 months but still arguing case for a land licence. Government finally introduces legislation making Hauraki legal.
Actuality: On air goodbyes 'Born Free' sung by Matt Munro at end of Hauraki's last day at sea 1 June 1970, after one hundred and eleven days at sea. Ian Magan
2 June 1970 Hauraki disc jockey Rick Grant falls overboard and is drowned as Tiri 2 returns to land for Mayoral Reception.
Hauraki starts broadcasting legally from land in August 1970.