Radio Volunteer Builds East FM Over 18 Years

For 18 years, Michael Rowse showed up every single day to run a radio station without taking a paycheck.

Rowse founded Howick Village Radio in 2008, which grew into East FM, serving the east Auckland community in New Zealand. As volunteer station manager, he dedicated nearly two decades to building something bigger than himself—a place where neighbors could connect, local voices could be heard, and aspiring broadcasters could learn their craft.

"East FM has been my baby," Rowse says. "I've poured my heart and soul into the station and watched with pride as it grew from success to success."

The station became a launching pad for friendships and careers. Volunteer DJs found their voice behind the microphone while covering community events and sharing local news. What started as one person's vision became a collective effort that brought east Auckland together.

PJ Taylor, a colleague at both the Times and East FM, nominated Rowse for the Community Hero Award. He calls Rowse one of the most committed people he's ever known, praising his "legendary dedication" to doing something for the station every single day as a volunteer.

Sunny's Take

Community radio thrives on passion, not profit, and Rowse exemplified that spirit for nearly two decades. While he recently stepped down as station manager, he's not disappearing—he's staying involved with the station he created. Tony King, another original East FM DJ, has taken over as station manager, ensuring Rowse's legacy continues.

The station's evolution from Howick Village Radio to East FM mirrors the growth of the community it serves. Volunteers don't just play music—they become part of the neighborhood fabric, showing up at local events and giving voice to issues that matter to their neighbors.

Rowse received a $50 New World gift card and recognition in the Times newspaper as part of the Community Hero Award. But his real reward is seeing what East FM has become—a hub where "so many great friendships have been forged, and careers have been spawned."

Eighteen years of daily volunteer work is the kind of quiet heroism that builds strong communities one broadcast at a time.