Long-serving Taupō radio host Andrew Leiataua dies suddenly
Sunday 11 October 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story National Party, Green Party, Facebook, More FM
More FM breakfast host Andrew Leiataua has passed away following an unexpected medical condition on Saturday. Leiataua was a long-serving broadcaster who spent 30 years with More FM, including two decades hosting the Taupō breakfast show.
Key facts
4 facts
- Andrew Leiataua died on Saturday due to an unexpected medical condition
- He worked for More FM for 30 years and hosted the Taupō breakfast show for 20 years
- He won Best Music Host at the 2014 New Zealand Radio Awards
- He was recognised at the 2025 NZ Radio and Podcast Awards
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
Andrew Leiataua, a long-serving More FM breakfast host, died on Saturday following an unexpected medical condition. The broadcaster announced the sudden passing of the host, who was considered a local icon, via Facebook.
Leiataua spent 30 years with More FM and had hosted the Taupō breakfast show for 20 years. He was an award-winning broadcaster who won Best Music Host at the 2014 New Zealand Radio Awards.
On-air tributes were scheduled to begin at 6am on Monday, with Sean Dykstra inviting listeners to share memories. Details regarding memorial services will be released once they are finalised.
Beyond radio, Leiataua appeared in a 1995 episode of Shortland Street. He was also active in the community, participating in fundraisers such as Dancing for Life Education.
Where reports differ
- One report states he was a finalist for Best Music Host in 2011, while the other does not mention this
Compiled from reports by Stuff and NZ Herald.