Radio ministry in New Zealand was very difficult in the early years. Most of the radio stations were owned and operated by the government, and it severely limited religious broadcasting. That changed in 1970 when non-government stations were allowed. Today, eight stations throughout the two main islands broadcast two Lutheran programs, bringing Christ to New Zealanders and New Zealanders to the Church, as well as helping the tiny Lutheran Church become well known, far beyond what its size would normally warrant. This program is targeted to non-Christians.
Many listeners request multiple copies of the companion tracts and booklets, to share with others.
Considering the size of New Zealand s population, this is a huge response. The congregations of the Lutheran Church of New Zealand provided inserts, advertising their Christmas services and other programs, and were given names of the most promising contacts so they could do personal follow-up ministry. Special programs are produced for broadcast each Christmas and Easter, encouraging listeners to respond to the Words of Christ. New Zealand is located 1,200 miles southeast of Australia. It is an independent country belonging to the British Commonwealth of Nations.