Palmerston North

๐Ÿ“ฐ

Local Media

Overview of local newspapers, radio stations, and other media outlets in Palmerston North.

Sections

1. Local Newspapers

Palmerston North has a strong tradition of print journalism, with newspapers providing local news, events, and community updates.

a. Manawatลซ Standard

  • Overview: The Manawatลซ Standard is the primary daily newspaper serving Palmerston North and the wider Manawatลซ region. It covers local news, sports, business, and community events.
  • Frequency: Published Monday to Saturday.
  • Cost:
    • Single issue: Around NZD 2.50.
    • Subscription: Approximately NZD 20โ€“25 per week for home delivery (print and digital options available).
  • Access: Available at local supermarkets, convenience stores, and newsagents. Digital subscriptions can be purchased via their website.
  • Cultural Considerations: The newspaper often highlights local achievements, Mฤori cultural events, and rural community issues, reflecting the diverse population of the region.

b. The Guardian

  • Overview: A free community newspaper distributed weekly, focusing on local events, classifieds, and community notices.
  • Frequency: Weekly.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Access: Delivered to households and available at community centers, libraries, and supermarkets.

c. Other Regional Newspapers

  • Examples: The Dominion Post (Wellington-based but covers some Manawatลซ news) and The New Zealand Herald (national coverage with occasional local stories).
  • Access: Available in print at newsstands or online via subscription.

2. Local Radio Stations

Palmerston North has a variety of radio stations catering to different tastes, from music and talk shows to Mฤori and Pasifika programming.

a. More FM Manawatลซ (92.2 FM)

  • Overview: A popular station offering a mix of music, local news, weather, and community updates.
  • Cost: Free to listen.
  • Access: Tune in via FM radio or online streaming.

b. The Breeze (98.6 FM)

  • Overview: A station known for its easy-listening music and local news updates.
  • Cost: Free to listen.
  • Access: FM radio or online streaming.

c. Kia Ora FM (89.8 FM)

  • Overview: A Mฤori-focused station broadcasting in te reo Mฤori and English, featuring cultural programming, music, and news.
  • Cost: Free to listen.
  • Access: FM radio or online streaming.
  • Cultural Considerations: A great way to learn about Mฤori culture and language.

d. Access Manawatลซ (999 AM)

  • Overview: A community radio station offering diverse programming, including shows by local groups, ethnic communities, and special interest groups.
  • Cost: Free to listen.
  • Access: AM radio or online streaming.

3. Television

While Palmerston North does not have its own dedicated TV station, residents have access to national and regional channels.

a. Free-to-Air TV

  • Channels: TVNZ 1, TVNZ 2, Three, Mฤori Television, and Prime.
  • Cost: Free (requires a UHF aerial or Freeview-compatible TV).
  • Cultural Considerations: Mฤori Television is an excellent resource for learning about Mฤori culture, language, and history.

b. Subscription TV

  • Sky TV: Offers a wide range of channels, including news, sports, movies, and international programming.
    • Cost: Packages start at around NZD 25 per month, with additional costs for premium channels.
    • Access: Requires a satellite dish and decoder, which can be arranged through Sky TV.

c. Online Streaming

  • Examples: TVNZ+ (free), ThreeNow (free), Netflix, Disney+, and Neon (subscription-based).
  • Cost: Free for TVNZ+ and ThreeNow; subscription services range from NZD 10โ€“20 per month.

4. Community Notice Boards

Community notice boards are a popular way to share and find local information in Palmerston North.

a. Physical Notice Boards

  • Locations: Found in libraries, community centers, supermarkets, and cafes.
  • Content: Advertisements for local events, services, job opportunities, and items for sale.
  • Cost: Free to view; posting notices may have a small fee (usually NZD 2โ€“5).

b. Digital Notice Boards

  • Examples: Local Facebook groups (e.g., "Palmerston North Buy, Sell, Swap"), Neighbourly.co.nz (a community networking platform).
  • Cost: Free to join and post.

5. Online Platforms

Palmerston North residents and visitors increasingly rely on online platforms for news and community engagement.

a. Stuff.co.nz

  • Overview: The digital home of the Manawatลซ Standard and other regional newspapers.
  • Content: Local and national news, opinion pieces, and lifestyle articles.
  • Cost: Free for basic access; premium content requires a subscription (around NZD 5 per week).

b. Palmerston North City Council Website

  • Overview: Provides official updates, event listings, and community resources.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Access: Visit pncc.govt.nz.

c. Social Media

  • Examples: Facebook pages like "Palmerston North Community" and Instagram accounts showcasing local events and businesses.
  • Cost: Free to access.

6. Libraries and Free Resources

Palmerston North City Library is a hub for accessing free media and information.

a. Palmerston North City Library

  • Services: Free access to newspapers, magazines, and online databases. Public computers and Wi-Fi are also available.
  • Cost: Free for library members (membership is free for residents).
  • Cultural Considerations: The library hosts events and workshops, including those focused on Mฤori culture and language.

b. Free Wi-Fi Zones

  • Locations: The Square (city center), libraries, and some cafes.
  • Cost: Free.

7. Cultural Considerations

  • Mฤori Media: Mฤori culture is an integral part of New Zealandโ€™s identity. Engage with Mฤori Television, Kia Ora FM, and local events to gain a deeper understanding of the culture.
  • Community Engagement: Palmerston North has a welcoming and diverse community. Participating in local events and using community notice boards can help you integrate and stay informed.

Summary

Palmerston North offers a wide range of media options, from traditional newspapers and radio stations to modern online platforms and community resources. Whether youโ€™re looking for local news, cultural programming, or community updates, thereโ€™s something for everyone. Many resources are free or low-cost, making it easy to stay connected and informed while living in or visiting the city.