New host of Music 101 revealed
Kara Rickard will take up the hosting role, with Tony Stamp producing the Saturday show.
Experienced presenter and broadcaster, Kara Rickard (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Koata, Tainui), has been announced as the new host of RNZ's flagship music programme, Music 101.
Rickard says her new gig, which was revealed on Monday and kicks off Saturday 19 July, is a dream.
"I'm excited to join the RNZ team and become part of the legendary Music 101 legacy. Being able to champion Aotearoa music and the voices behind it is a dream come true."
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Rickard joined RNZ in 2022, hosting the inaugural national celebration of Matariki. She has previously co-hosted the show On the Air – Mā runga i arere and served as an alternate presenter for Music 101.
She co-hosted the 2024 and 2025 Aotearoa Music Awards alongside Afternoons host Jesse Mulligan.
The hosts of the Aotearoa Music Awards 2025, RNZ's Kara Rickard and Jesse Mulligan.
James Ensing-Trussell
Award-winning music journalist and host of The Sampler Tony Stamp will become Music 101 Producer.
Stamp’s radio career started at Auckland’s 95bFM, hosting a variety of specialist shows that spotlighted new music.
He began contributing to Music 101 in 2007 and has been working at RNZ creating long-form documentaries and features, interviewing artists, and discussing new music on The Sampler.
Tony Stamp.
RNZ
In 2022 he won the inaugural NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism Award for his work.
RNZ’s Chief Content Officer Megan Whelan says Music 101 is a cornerstone for both music lovers and musicians.
“It’s fantastic to confirm the team that will carry that legacy forward," she said.
"Kara and Tony bring infectious energy to the show, thanks to their presenting and producing talent, deep musical knowledge, and shared passion for music."
Music 101 was previously hosted by Charlotte Ryan.
