North Harbour radio takes shape

Darren Berich hasn't even moved into his new North Harbour home yet, but he's already working on a project to bring his future neighbours together.

The retired Air Force veteran is preparing to launch Harbour Breeze, an online community radio station that will share local stories, music, news and events with residents across North Harbour and surrounding suburbs.

And if all goes to plan, he'll be broadcasting from a studio in his garage by December 1.

Darren, who is relocating from Woodford with his wife Mirasol and their 10-year-old daughter Riley, came up with the idea after visiting North Harbour and discovering a community he wanted to be part of.

“I’ve been involved with radio stations at Air Force bases over the years, doing a little announcing and helping out, and I really enjoyed it because I've always loved music,” he said.

“Then when I visited North Harbour, I noticed a sense of community that I haven’t experienced anywhere else. I wanted to build on that and create something that brings people together.”

What began as an idea shared on Facebook on October 4 has quickly gathered support, with residents volunteering their time, suggesting programs and helping secure sponsors. A committee has already been formed and the station has secured its first funding partnership, bringing forward a project Darren initially thought might not get off the ground until next year.

“People were offering ideas, volunteering to get involved and even helping us find our first sponsors,” he said.

“I originally thought we’d be lucky to get it off the ground next year, but the goodwill has been incredible.”

Harbour Breeze is expected to broadcast around the clock, with Darren hosting a weekday breakfast program from 7am to 10am featuring music, local news and conversations with residents. There are also plans to take the station out into the neighbourhood on Saturdays, broadcasting from parks, community events and local business openings.

“We don’t see this as a one-way radio station where we’re just talking at people,” Darren said.

"We want residents to tell us what’s happening, share their ideas and let us know what they'd like to hear."

Residents and businesses are also being invited to help build the station's music catalogue by contributing $2 per song.

For Darren, the station is another reason to look forward to settling into North Harbour, where his family is preparing to move into their new home near the Scooter Park.

“We drove around, explored the neighbourhood and went for a walk, and it just felt right. It felt different from other places. It felt like home,” he said.

Harbour Breeze is aiming to begin broadcasting on December 1, subject to final licensing approvals.

Listeners will be able to tune in online at here once the website launches, with a dedicated app also planned.