This video is made with the support of NZ on Air Public Interest Journalism Fund. 

Just like community radio stations up and down the country, Tauranga's Village Radio is a place where passion for music lives on.

Before music apps, before smart phones, before the internet..hell, before TV, many of the older generation still fondly remember a time where radio was the hub of creativity - where people young and old would tune into the wireless to be able to access the music and news happening here and around the world.

It was the spark for so many artists to be inspired and for others to be entertained, transported around the world before that could done with the click of a button.

In this particular radio station based in the Tauranga Historic Village, around 30 volunteers come together to keep the music of the 1940s through to the 1990s going for future generations. Ask any of them, they all say they become like a family. 

And that family is hurting, after the sudden passing of their station manager and friend Tony Rhind in late 2024.

Every station needs someone like Tony - a sweetheart of a man who treats everyone with kindness, has an unbridled passion for the art of radio and the technical know-how to keep everything on track.

He played a crucial role in building this community of like-minded individuals, many of whom have found being on-air with Village Radio the perfect tonic for this stage of their lives.

Tony even helped take Village Radio past their AM frequency (that used to fade once you get as far out as Katikati or Te Puke) into the digital age, streaming online to be heard all around the world. 

Tony described it as really personal experience and a win-win for everyone involved - the radio volunteers and their loyal listeners. The joy Village Radio brings to the lives of many brought even greater joy to Tony.

People like Tony Rhind are what keeps volunteer creative groups going, brings them together. Tony may be gone and sorely missed, but - along with his wonderful family - his Village Radio family will be part of keeping his legacy alive for years to come.