Tauranga Village Radio is celebrating 37 years on the air.

The stations official birthday was on Tuesday and the occasion has been marked with a letter from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

'Dear listeners and anyone involved with Tauranga Village Radio,” the letter reads.

'I wanted to wish Tauranga Village Radio a very happy 37th birthday today.

'It takes a great deal of dedication to run a radio station seven days a week on a voluntary basis and I pay tribute to everyone who has been involved with the station since it first went to air in 1984.

'You provide a wonderful and unique service so happy birthday and here's to the stations next 37 years on the airwaves.”

Tauranga Village Radio chairperson Brian Williams says it's gratifying to get a letter from Jacinda Ardern.

'During broadcasts we have been reading the PM's letter periodically, as well as playing an audio message from Kris Faafoi, Minister of Broadcasting,” says Brian.

The station, now 136AM, call sign station 1XT, first commenced broadcasting from the Historic Village on 17th Ave.

George Stewart and Brian Williams outside Village Radio in March 2020.

The launch of the station marked Tauranga City's 21st birthday.

The station's mission statement is to operate as a working museum, bringing enjoyable varied musical programmes from bygone days in accordance with its Radio License/Charter.

To mark the station's 37 years on the air, an afternoon tea is being set up for people to attend this Sunday.

'There will be a birthday afternoon tea this Sunday for 'Friends of Village Radio,” other listeners, and our enthusiastic team of volunteers,” says Brian.

'This event will be from 2pm to 4pm, at Tauranga Coastguard at Sulphur Point Marina.”