Christian broadcaster John Fabrin is confident of raising $2.4 million in a week to save the Rhema Broadcasting Group.

The group, which broadcasts Life FM, Rhema and Southern Star throughout New Zealand, needs to pay up in order to renew its licences for the next 20 years.

"The licences will run out in April next year, but the Government want the payment six months early," RBG chief executive Mr Fabrin said yesterday.

Mr Fabrin was in New Plymouth yesterday meeting with the group's regional members, calling on them to spread the word that they needed to raise a total of $6.4 million.

Having already raised $4m, Mr Fabrin said he was confident the other $2.4m could be raised by next Friday. "There will be a way, it's not our intention to let the licences go," he said.

The group has been broadcasting for 32 years and Mr Fabrin said it would be a shame to lose it now.

"I don't think we have come this far to turn back," he said.

The only other option was to pay interest on the amount, but Mr Fabrin said that was not an option the charitable organisation wanted to consider.

Eighty per cent of the finances come from membership and gifts from listeners so the group is reliant on the generosity of New Zealanders to get them through.

The stations have 80,000 listeners, 40 per cent of them non-Christian, Mr Fabrin said. "If everyone gave a little they could get there."

Donations can be made at www.2030vision.co.nz.

- Taranaki Daily News