A Bay of Plenty radio station has taken out the supreme award at the 2018 Maori Radio Awards.

TumekeFM, based in Whakatane claimed the title of Te Pou Toa o te Tau 2018, Iwi Radio Station of the Year 2018, at this year's awards which were held in Rotorua on Saturday night.

The award is one of five claimed by the station which also include Best Station Imaging, Best Programme Director, Best Current Affairs or Talkback Programme and Best Outside Broadcast.

In a joint statement, Te Reo Irirangi o te Manuka Tutahi chairman Layne Harvey and manager Jarrod Dodd say they are humbled to have received the award.

'The Maori broadcasting space remains an environment of challenge and opportunity.

'Advancements in technology, language priorities and audience trends require us to seek to exceed those expectations by embracing innovation and change in the promotion of te reo me ona tikanga.”

The organisation says it's thankful to its supporters.

'The board, management, and staff, wish to acknowledge the judges, other finalists, Te Whakaruruhau o Nga Reo Irirangi, the Maori Media Network and Te Mangai Paho.

'We would also like to thank our communities and listeners, our licence holder, Te Runanga o Ngati Awa, our clients and sponsors and all our volunteers and supporters for their continued endorsement.

'Nga mihi mahana, nga mihi maioha ki a koutou.”