Lesley Paris – Station Manager
Lesley joined the station in October, 2010, bringing with her a wealth of experience in the broadcasting and music industries. Leading Otago Access Radio through its transition to FM has been the first of many exciting projects for Lesley. Looking ahead, the prospect of building on the station’s already wide base of programme makers is something that excites and motivates her.
Jeff Harford – Community Liaison
Jeff joined the team at the beginning of 2011 to help extend and strengthen the station’s links with the wider Otago community, encourage participation and information sharing, and to help out with day-to-day business. Jeff also hosts the OARsome Morning Show, weekdays 8am and 9:30am. He’s a musician and small-business owner, and has a background in the public service and print media.
Geoff Barkman – Studio Engineer
Geoff has been with the Dunedin-based Community Access station since September 2007, making him the guru of all things technical. He plays a vital role in keeping the station on air and in training the many programme makers, volunteers and school groups who use the Otago Access Radio facilities.
Arina Aizal – Community Connector & Youth Coordinator
Arina connects the diverse multicultural communities in Dunedin together and supports the young people for Youth Zone Programming. She is passionate about including and empowering the quiet voices in the community especially women and the multicultural communities. She also has her own radio show ‘The Arinality’ on cultural identities of women in Aotearoa, and hosts the ‘Connecting Cultures Features’ and ‘Muslim Chaplaincy Conversation’ at the station.
Spencer Hall – Digital and Audio Content Coordinator
Spencer joined the team in April 2022 with 11 years of broadcasting, writing, researching, hosting, editing and production behind him, including roles with Montreal community station CKUT 90.3FM and at Radio One 91FM. He has a keen interest in audio production, has a Diploma in Digital Animation and Film and a Bachelor of Visual Arts, and has been integral to Ōtepoti’s ‘Zinefest’ events.
Hills Radio Trust
The Hills Radio Trust was established in 2000 to provide governance for what is now known as Otago Access Radio (formerly Hills AM and Toroa Radio). Made up of volunteers, the Trust meets regularly throughout the year and ensures that OAR FM has the necessary financial, legal and governance support to ensure it is sustainable into the future.
