Media Releases

RNZ100: New podcast reflects on RNZ’s role connecting Kiwis with events of national significance

Released at 2:17 pm on 5 June 2025

As the public media broadcaster celebrates its 100th birthday, RNZ is looking back at how it has been a source of connection for New Zealanders through different moments in the country’s history. 

This reflection comes in the form of a new podcast, called RNZ100: A century of stories. The six episodes, released weekly from today, revisit significant events in history, some of which had worldwide impacts and others were unique to New Zealand. 

Whether listeners tune in for the stories of trailblazers like long-distance swimmer Meda McKenzie, leaders like Dame Whina Cooper or national icons like Shrek the Sheep, there’s something for everyone to learn or reminisce. 

RNZ Chief Content Officer Megan Whelan says RNZ100: A century of stories is a representation of how far the public broadcaster has come. 

“The use of original broadcast audio collated in the form of a podcast shows how we’ve evolved alongside the wants and needs of our audiences. A lot has changed in 100 years but what’s remained constant throughout, is RNZ’s role in documenting and reflecting New Zealand through outstanding public broadcasting.” 

RNZ100: A century of stories is hosted by broadcaster Mike McRoberts, a familiar voice in New Zealand media. Now Te Ao Māori editor at the National Business Review, McRoberts aptly started his journalism career at RNZ.

In each episode, McRoberts is joined by guests who give their insights and theories about how New Zealand’s attitudes and behaviours have evolved over the years.  

Nigel McCulloch from The Downlow Concept, who produced the podcast, said RNZ100: A century of stories will evoke feelings of connection, pride and a bit of nostalgia. 

“Going through the treasure trove of archive has been amazing. We’ve found audio about absolutely everything – from events and moments that have helped to shape the lives of New Zealanders to the small stories that have been long forgotten. In fact, a lot of the audio we’re featuring hasn’t been heard since it was first broadcast, in some cases, nearly 100 years ago!”

The first episode of RNZ100: A century of stories is now available to listen to on rnz.co.nz/rnz100 and on other podcast apps. New episodes will be available weekly on Thursdays and will broadcast on RNZ National on Sundays at 7pm from 15 June. 

ENDS