[2] The National Pacific Radio Trust receives a $3.9 million annual grant from the Government, managed by NZ On Air[3] and overseen by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage.

[7] According to Massey University sociologist Paul Spoonley the station reached Pacific communities who were not served by commercial radio, and helped establish a pan-Pacific identity.

[9] The trust's directors during this time included Samoan businessman Arthur Anae, Tongan AUT University lecturer James Prescott and former Federated Farmers president Brian Chamberlin.

[10] Faaolo Utumapu, the first totally blind student to gain a Bachelor of Communication Studies at AUT University, became a Radio 531pi host in 2000.

[13] The Government also set up the National Pacific Radio Trust (NPRT) to oversee the Niu FM project, and ensure it reflected the diversity of Pacific peoples and communities and shaped New Zealand's national identity, by broadcasting and producing programmes in English, Samoan, Tongan, Cook Islands Māori, Niuean, Tokelauan, Tuvaluan and Fijian languages.

[16] On 3 June 2003, the NRPT took over the Niu FM network, moving the operations from Otahuhu to new studios in the central Auckland suburb of Ponsonby.

In an interview with Metro Magazine, NRPT chairman Simativa Perese accused the APICRT of inadequately covering issues like tithing in churches, inappropriately using funds on company cars and staff meals, and having a conflict of interest between its Niu FM and Radio 531pi networks.

[17] In an article in the Pacific Journalism Review, journalist Tapu Misa, the wife of interim Niu FM manager Sefita Hao’uli, rejected the allegations.

She said the network had covered the issue of tithing extensively, its spending on staff benefits and client events was in line with industry standards, and the APICRT did not want either station to undermine the other.

[20] In 2005, the Government decided to continue funding Niu FM beyond the pilot period,[21] after a report to Cabinet showed the NPRT was achieving most of its objectives.

[27] However, Misa said there was still bitterness between the two stations,[28] and NRPT chairman Fa’amatuainu Tino Pereira later said the merging process was very difficult for the staff involved.

[29] In 2008, Pacific Media Network expanded its range of first language programmes simulcast on Niu FM and Radio 531pi to include shows for people from the Solomon Islands and Kiribati.

[38] Later the same year, NZ On Air gave the NRPT a one-off $725,000 grant to move its entire operations from Ponsonby to new, larger, more modern studios in Manukau.

[40] Broadcasting minister Jonathan Coleman said the Ponsonby studios were outdated and the new location would bring the network closer to most Pacific communities.

[43] August 2017 saw Ministers Maggie Barry and Alfred Ngaro appoint four new Board members for three year terms: Tiumalu Peter Fa'afiu (Chair), Sholan Ivaiti (Treasurer), Jody Jackson Becerra and Sara-Jane Elika.

The strategy and subsequent implementation was seen by the Board as the last opportunity to deal with 17 years of operational disorganisation, lack of excellence performance and slow adaptation to audience needs particularly in the digital space.

[46] Niu FM's flagship show "The Morning Shack" is hosted by Tim Dennis, Regan Foa'i and Gaby Solomona.

[52] The station's hosts have included a range of Pacific talent, from Tuaratini, Oscar Kightley, Teuila Blakely, Tofiga Fepulea'i, Maryjane Mckibbin-Schwenke, Brian Salaga and more.

[3] Rima Cooper, Gladys Hartson-Shingles and Tagata Pasifika host Marama Papau have worked as journalists and newsreaders for the service.

The Niu FM Best Pacific Artist category has been won by Tha Feelstyle for Break It To Pieces, Dei Hamo for First Edition, Cydel for Soul Finder and Memoirs of a Midnight Cowboy, Nesian Mystik for Elevator Musiq, Savage for Savage Island, Ladi6 for The Liberation Of..., Adeaze for Rise & Shine, Aaradhna for Treble & Reverb, and David Dallas for Runnin'.

It featured TDub, Ten Six, Vince Harder, Melanie Smith, Sammy G., Young Sid, Savage, Jarrell Houston, Devolo, Scribe, Erakah, DJCXL, Akaria, Trey Smoov, DJ Raw, Pieter T., K. One, D-Witty, Brysen G., Ria, Kolohe Kai, Adeaze, Uptown Swuite, Tomorrow People, Tuita Boyz, Three Houses Down, K. & Nela Music and Just in Wellington.

[69] Niu FM broadcast a rap by Angell, produced by Dawn Raid Entertainment and commissioned by the Department of Labour, to educate secondary school students about workers' rights.

During the 2012 Niuean Language Week Radio 531pi broadcast a live stream of the Saturday opening event,[73] a Tuesday night talkback special,[74] and daily "learn a phrase" segments.

[75] Linita Manu'atu, an AUT University Pasifika Education lecturer, is a regular host of Tongan Language Week programmes.