Volunteers share love of radio

Coast Access Radio is one of 12 independent Access radio stations and covers the Kapiti and Horowhenua areas.

Two volunteers at either end of the age spectrum volunteer with the station. Here are their stories.
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Kai Claughton-Smith

After I left school, I had a couple of retail jobs but mostly I was just hanging with friends and doing nothing. It was really boring and at 19, I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life. My Mum knew the station manager at Coast Access Radio and told her I could possibly be a volunteer.

I started producing and editing programmes in March this year.  I really enjoy the stories older people talk about in the programme Write Your Story. Older people have a lot of knowledge to share with other generations. They have stories like nothing I've ever heard before.      

I get a lot of satisfaction from doing something well, like editing a programme and I know that my skills are needed at the station. I love being able to meet people from all different ways of life. Our guests are all unique and all have a story to tell. That's what keeps me coming back.    

Volunteering at Coast Access Radio is a stepping stone into a career in broadcasting or communications for me. I would like to work as a broadcaster on The Edge or another national radio station. Or perhaps as a TV presenter or an overseas correspondent.

My volunteering has freed up some time for Station Manager Catherine who enjoys showing me how to do something which I can then run with. She says my generation is the future of the radio station.      

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Paul Nees

Retirement brings options. Without work commitments, you can pursue interests, enjoy what matters to you, engage with (and contribute to) the local community.  For me, that has translated to a volunteer gig with community station, Coast Access Radio. After starting in late November 2022 my involvement has developed and expanded. This has brought benefits, both personal and in community engagement.

Before retirement I had become a regular Coast Access listener, appreciating their range of programmes. I thought it would be fantastic to be involved in a volunteer role.

So, I emailed Coast Access, offering to volunteer and describing my music interest. The station manager invited me in for a chat. He offered a half-hour music programme for the remainder of 2022 with the option, if things worked out, of an hour a week from the beginning of 2023.Soundwave was born and I loved sharing my music passion with listeners.  

So far I have researched, prepared recorded and broadcast135 programmes and since starting the show, listenership has increased. This is hugely gratifying and hopefully I’m playing a part to expand the listening experience for people, like radio did for me.

In early 2023, I got involved in live broadcasting, taking on the two-hour Friday Morning Show. After brief training I was on my own; scary at first and plenty of mistakes made! It’s satisfying to be able to connect directly with the community, share information about local events andinterview interesting people in the Kapiti and Horowhenua area.

Recent events have meant I felt the need to support the station further and ease the considerable load of the fantastic, employed staff. I’ve willingly stepped up, becoming another person who can help others record and edit their shows. I’ve also helped train some new volunteers who have come on board. My commitment to the station has expanded to two full days a week and sometimes a little more and I’m very happy about that.

I’m living my dream, smiling every day.

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