Kiwi Country: New Zealand Media & Entertainment (NZME) – that nation's largest radio operator – is flipping its Classic Hits "Gold FM" network Country as "iHeartCountry New Zealand" May 9. The format will be heard on FM signals in seven markets, including the two largest, Auckland and Christchurch. The move "strengthens our position to be the country’s leading audio company and allows us to connect with new audiences while offering our advertising partners access to an engaged and passionate listenership," NZME Chief Exec. Michael Boggs told the New Zealand Herald. The network will initially launch commercial-free and feature core artists including Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs and Lainey Wilson, as well as New Zealand artists including Kaylee Bell. No word on staff. Auckland briefly supported a Country FM in the early '90s, but there have not been any other broadcast attempts at the format since.