Rock 93 FM
The Rock began broadcasting mainstream rock music in Hamilton in 1992, but from 1996 began broadcasting in other cities; firstly Tauranga (1996), then Taranaki, Hawkes Bay, Rotorua and Taupo (1997), and finally to Auckland and the South Island (1999). In 1999 the station moved its base from Hamilton to Auckland.
While based in Hamilton, the stations major contribution to Hamilton music was the organisation and sponsoring of the Waikato Rock Awards (1993-1994). Hamilton music was infrequently heard on the station, except on Paul Martin's hard rock and heavy metal Axe Attack show. This show moved from Contact 89FM, consistently one of the most popular shows on that station, to the Rock in 1992, allowing Paul to become a professional broadcaster. Paul continued to host this show until 2015.
Notable behind the scenes characters involved in the Rock, particularly its early days, include Joe Dennehy and Grant Hislop (both later involved in UFM and/or The Generator).
