The Wave FM Sumner

Most Christchurch residents know that, by the time you’re heading along the causeway on the way to Sumner, the radio reception starts getting scratchy. But now, that popular seaside suburb can boast a station that is uniquely their own.

The Wave 88.5FM has been on the airwaves since February last year – but what makes this community station even more unusual is that it’s broadcast from the bell tower of All Saints Anglican Church in Wakefield Ave, Sumner. Station manager Barrie Woods says the 24-hour station has been well received by the locals: it plays a mix of mainstream and Christian music with lots of variety, including interviews, focus programmes, feature artists and discussions. Sermons from the previous Sunday services are played on Wednesdays and are popular.

A core group of four enthusiasts run the station, with others being roped in to do a variety of tasks, explains Barrie – anything from making jingles to programming – and they are always “looking for anyone with a good voice.” Despite having to climb a rung ladder up the bell tower wall, the studio has enough space for the mix of new and second-hand equipment. It may be small, but with the support of the parish, this station is making waves in the local community.

Dave Wethey discovers that bells aren’t the only sounds being broadcast from the All Saints bell tower in Sumner.