distance from sources of radio interference. An expedition seeking 'an extensive area of flat lands [producing] the best results' first scouted the area for radio purposes in 1911. Radio-related facilities here are: Unwin Radar of La Trobe University Awarua Tracking Station of the European Space Agency Awarua Radio Awarua Radio (callsign VLB or ZLB) was New Zealand's main receiving and transmitting coast radio station providing worldwide radiotelegraph and voice communications with ships at sea. Some facilities were built by Telefunken of Germany. It was operated from 18 December 1913 by the New Zealand Post Office (to 31 March 1986) then by NZPO successor corporation Telecom New Zealand until the station closed on 30 August 1991. The site was selected following an expedition in 1911 led by Mr J Orchiston, head of the New Zealand Telegraph Department, Captain Gard'ner of the New Zealand Artillery and representatives of Australian Wireless, seeking 'an extensive area of flat lands [producing] the best results'. References Wetlands of Southland, New Zealand Radio in New Zealand Plains of New Zealand Foveaux Strait Invercargill