In 1938 Grennell had become interested in radio broadcasting through performing on air, and was invited to join 4ZB in Dunedin in October of that year. Her immaculate voice training and superb diction in both te reo Māori and English, with a noted BBC-ish lilt, suited her to the position well. A talented soprano, Airini toured with other announcers singing and playing piano to help raise funds to support war efforts at community concerts during World War Two.
She was targeted and recruited to work at 1ZB in Auckland before returning to Christchurch working as an announcer on the 3ZB and 3YA stations, eventually creating a series of programmes for women and initiating a network of women’s programmes on national radio.
Airini Ngā Roimata Grennell retired in 1966 after 28 years in broadcasting, which included providing commentary on no less than five royal tours and she was one of the first Māori women to appear, albeit briefly, on television. Intellectual, witty and humble she has been credited as helping to bring about the Māori cultural renaissance.
In this Christmas item Airini Grennell presents a programme of Māori waiata accompanied by Martin Winiata’s Polynesian Trio.
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Rēkohu/Wharekauri | Chatham Islands | Rēkohu/Wharekaur | Chatham Islands | 1940-49 | Whānau & community
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