Titahi Bay Transmitter Site facts for kids
The Titahi Bay Transmitter Site is an important radio station located in Titahi Bay, New Zealand.
Contents
History
The Titahi Bay transmission site began its story in 1937 when it was built to take over from an older transmitter at Mt Victoria for the radio station 2YA. At that time, it sent out just one radio signal. Because a transmitter is the piece of equipment that creates radio waves, the whole place could rightly be called "the Titahi Bay transmitter" back then.
Over many years, the site grew and changed. More transmitters and big antenna towers were added. Today, it broadcasts several different radio signals at once, making it more like a busy radio station hub.
This important site helps send radio signals across the lower North Island of New Zealand. Here are the radio stations that broadcast from the transmitter:
- Radio New Zealand National on 567 kHz
- Southern Star and AM Network on 657 kHz
- Newstalk ZB on 1035 kHz
- Te Upoko O Te Ika on 1161 kHz
Keeping the Tower Strong
In 2004, the tower got a big makeover! Workers removed rusty parts and replaced them. They also sand-blasted and repainted the whole tower. New LED warning lights were added, as required by the NZCAA. These lights help planes see the tall mast, especially at night.
Workers who climb the tower say it takes about 45 minutes to reach the top. From up there, you can see amazing views of the whole Kapiti coast region!
How Far Do the Signals Go?
The radio signals from Titahi Bay can travel very far! For example, the signal for National Radio can sometimes be heard as far north as Norfolk Island. It can also reach as far south as Dunedin. This shows how powerful the transmitter is.
The Land Around the Tower
The land around the tower is owned by the Department of Conservation. They lease, or rent, parts of the land to Radio NZ for the towers. Other parts are used by the local Titahi Golf Club and for farming. The site is part of Whitirea Park.
Demolition of the Tallest Mast
On 14 October 2015, it was announced that the tallest tower, which was 220 metres high, would be taken down. This was because of rust and safety worries. The smallest tower, which was 53 metres tall, was demolished on 10 November 2015. Then, on 16 February 2016, the tallest tower was also taken down.
Now, the remaining 137-metre-high mast does all the transmitting work.
See also
In Spanish: Transmisor de la Bahía de Titahi para niños
 | John T. Biggers |
 | Thomas Blackshear |
 | Mark Bradford |
 | Beverly Buchanan |
