Planet FM welcomes new Radio and Development Manager

Planet FM 104.6 in Tāmaki Makaurau has appointed Camelia Petrus as its new Radio and Development Manager, marking an important new chapter for one of Aotearoa’s most linguistically diverse access media stations.

Camelia brings nearly two decades of connection to Planet FM as a volunteer broadcaster. Stepping into the leadership role, she describes the appointment as a natural progression of her long-standing commitment to Community Access Media. “What drew me most strongly was the opportunity to steward an institution with genuine civic value,” she says.

“Leading an access media station in Auckland means safeguarding a platform where many linguistic and cultural communities can speak in their own languages and from their own perspectives. The responsibility to protect that access mandate, while ensuring the station remains strong and relevant, is what motivates me most.”

Serving a Superdiverse City

Planet FM operates in one of the most diverse cities in the world. As part of the national Community Access Media Alliance (CAMA) network, the station provides structured, supported access to broadcasting for communities whose voices are often underrepresented in mainstream media.

Camelia sees this role as extending beyond representation.

“In a superdiverse city, this is not simply about representation. It is also about democratic participation and social cohesion. Access media ensures communities can speak for themselves, in their own voices, and on their own terms.”

Community Access Media stations are funded under Section 36(c) of the Broadcasting Act to provide facilities and support for priority communities including ethnic minorities, women, youth, people with disabilities, religious and minority-interest groups. In Auckland, this mandate is reflected in the wide range of languages and communities represented on air at Planet FM.

Strengthening the Network

In her first year, Camelia is focused on strengthening Planet FM’s contribution to the wider CAMA network.

Her priorities include deepening relationships with the communities the station serves, ensuring high-quality support for programme makers, and positioning Planet FM as a strong and collaborative partner within the national access media sector.

“I am particularly interested in how we can share learning across stations and continue demonstrating the civic value of access media in Aotearoa,” she says.

Leadership Grounded in Sector and Governance Experience

Alongside her long-standing volunteer involvement, Camelia brings more than ten years’ experience in commercial radio as a producer, two years in a director-level role, and a professional background in organisational psychology and governance. She has also contributed to strategic planning within incorporated societies.

This combination of sector commitment, commercial broadcast experience, and governance insight shapes her approach.

“Access media works best when expectations are transparent, systems are consistent, and communities feel respected as partners rather than participants,” she says.

Under her leadership, she hopes programme makers and community groups will experience clarity, support, and consistency,  confident that the station operates fairly and that their communities are represented with integrity.