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
Our story | Tō Tātou Pūtake 

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

A passionate storyteller whose love for radio shines through in every word she shares on air. With a rich background in broadcasting and a warm, familiar voice, Tracey brings empathy, insight, and a deep understanding of people to her role at ART. Her dedication to community connection makes her work with the station truly special. Before returning to Radio, Tracey taught Drama and English at a local secondary school, inspiring creativity and confidence in her students. She also has a strong governance background, having contributed to a number of local boards and initiatives with a focus on equity, access, and inclusion. Tracey is a proud mum to two adult daughters, and her heart belongs to her three labradors—and now, to her grandson, the new love of her life. As the daughter of a disabled father and a fiercely devoted mother who cared for him at home, Tracey learned early the value of resilience, compassion, and advocacy. She carries those lessons into everything she does. A passionate champion of diversity and inclusion, she’s excited to be part of the talented and dynamic team at ART—helping to protect and grow the taonga that is the station, for current and future generations.

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Dave Pope

Programme Director
Dave Pope

With a background in creative comms, graphic design, advertising & recording production, art direction, exhibition and video/new media, Dave has had an extensive career spanning over 30 years in the industry. We were thrilled to welcome Dave to the team as from April 2025 and can't wait to see where he can take the sound of our station to.

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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 Liaison
Phill Spear

Phill joined the ART Team back early in 2024 and is a valued member with a huge range of skills. As one of our two Community workers, he's particularly keen on working with the youth and currently is working with some of our fantastic youth content creators. You may have seen him onstage as one of the lead frontpeople for Improv Taranaki, where he'll be playing a huge range of roles - all from the depths of his own mind. Do reach out to Phill if you'd like to get involved in any way - be it as a guest on one of our many programmes, or maybe you're keen on exploring a podcast or radio show!

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Taryn Utiger

Community Engagement Co ordinator
Taryn Utiger

Taryn joined the ART team in April 2025. With her bubbly personality and vast knowledge of all things community, we are delighted to have her serve as a member of our community team. Taryn is no newcomer to media, having worked as a journalist (Both for Stuff and independently) and also freelances for various arts festivals such as WOMAD and The Right Royal Caberet Festival. Mum to one gorgeous wee man, Taryn lives in sunny Okatō and can't wait to get involved with the ART community. Feel free to contact her if you are interested in creating a podcast or radio show. She has some great ideas and can lead you along your journey!

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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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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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Paul Rangiwahia

Trustee
Paul Rangiwahia

Paul Rangiwahia (Ngati Ruanui) is a deeply values-driven individual whose heartfelt presence shines through in everything he does. With warm generosity, clear vision, and an open heart, Paul builds bridges wherever he goes—among people, between ideas, and throughout diverse communities. His journey is shaped by an abiding respect for heritage, a love for storytelling, and an earnest commitment to fostering connection. Born and raised with a strong grounding in his culture, Paul carries forward traditions with pride, weaving ancestral wisdom into his everyday work and life. Those who know him appreciate his calm confidence, his ability to listen with compassion, and his readiness to lift others up. Whether mentoring youth, sharing cultural knowledge, or simply offering kindness, Paul meets people where they are—making space for growth, learning, and belonging. Creativity pulses at the heart of his approach. He thrives in roles that allow him to bring visions to life—through design, conversation, and collaboration—always guided by integrity. His leadership is inclusive and generous: Paul leads more by example than by command, inviting participation, uplifting voices, and celebrating diversity. Above all, Paul values harmony—between past and present, between personal aspiration and collective wellbeing. He believes life is richest when we walk together, honouring our roots while stepping into the future with courage, compassion, and joy making him ideal to be the newest member of our board and additionally an ART co host so he knows all to well, what makes us tick!

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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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Supported by Lotto | NZ Lottery Grants Board logoThe COGS logo on whiteThe Primo lgoo on whiteSilks Audit logo
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