About Us

What are we about?

We’re here to give our community a voice. We are a genuine community radio station, and if you are part of a group or organisation that promotes community or various interests then we’re here to help.

We also provide the opportunity for people who have always wanted to “give radio a go” to live their dreams. It’s actually very easy to put together a live radio show – come and see our staff for a tour and a chat and we’ll show you how it happens.

We are part of the Access Radio Network, and a member of the Community Access Media Alliance (CAMA). NZ on Air assists Access stations financially, with the expectation that we ensure that a range of broadcasts is available to provide for the interests of women, youth, children, persons with disabilities and minorities in the community, including ethnic minorities” (Section 36(c) of the Act).

We are to “encourage a range of broadcasts that reflects the diverse religious and ethical beliefs of New Zealanders.”

Darren

Station Manager – Darren Ludlow

I’ve been a broadcaster for over 30 years, originally trained by the BCNZ in Wellington, and coming to Invercargill via Balclutha, Dunedin, Timaru and London. The majority of my time in radio locally was spent at 4ZA, Foveaux Radio and latterly back at Classic Hits. I’m an elected member on the Invercargill City Council, a company director, and have a strong interest in the arts. As an actor I’ve appeared on stage and screen in a variety of roles. I’m a big fan of Southland music and want to encourage local musicians to come forward with their work. I’m married and have two boys who are very active and keep me busy when away from work and council. I’m very keen on getting new programmes on-air and developing what is already a tremendous community resource into one that’s fully utilised.

Station Coordinator – Rachael Bailey (Rach)

Kia ora tātou katoa! I’m Rach, the Station Coordinator. I come from a media, social work, politics and tertiary education background. When I’m not up at the station, I’m usually out somewhere on the Southland coast with my husband Mike & our kids. I sit on several NGO boards, and advocate on behalf of fellow humans living with gender diversity, neurodiversity & disability - and for our heritage & environment. I’m really keen to engage with new potential programme makers, so if you’re interested in creating a show about disability, queer, women’s, youth, Pasifika, Maori, or ethnic perspectives, please get in touch with me. Ngā mihi!

Production Engineer - Tom Tutahione

Kia ora Whanau! I have been in the audio industry as an audio engineer for a few years now, with a focus on live sound. As a young fella I had my first radio show when I was 13 at a local station in Motueka. Fast forward a couple of decades and you’ll find me in the studios here at Radio Southland, after studying audio production & contemporary music at SIT. This is an exciting new path that I look forward to, sharing my journey with the Access community. When we meet you’ll soon be able to tell I have a passion for food! Outside of the station you’ll find me at events behind the sound desk or on the stage. I look forward to working with you all in the future. "The music is not in the notes, but in the silence between." – Mozart. Ma te wa!

Sponsorship & Marketing - Rafaella Melo

Rafaella Melo, our Sponsorship and Marketing Coordinator is creative and passionate about communication - bringing more than a decade of marketing & journalism experience to Radio Southland.

I am a Brazilian journalist and an immigrant to New Zealand. I came here to study English and seek a better quality of life in this country. I never imagined that I would have the opportunity to return to work in my profession so soon, as I am still in the process of learning the English language. So, I am truly grateful to Radio Southland!

In Brazil, I used to work in radio, television, web, and print media. I have been a reporter, presenter, producer, chief editor of a magazine, and coordinator of the TV of the Legislative Chamber of my city. I have also worked in social media promotion - promoting company brands to their target audiences. My main skill areas are journalism & marketing, but I have always worked in an allied way with the commercial side of business.