Ajax Banstola
| Ajax Banstola | |
|---|---|
 Ajax Banstola OAR FM 2023.jpg Ajax in the OAR FM studio (2024) | |
| Born | Nepal |
| 🏳️ Nationality | Nepalese |
| 💼 Occupation | Youth broadcaster, podcaster, writer |
| Known for | Host of FactBeast with Ajax and Hamro Awaz |
| 🌐 Website | oar.org.nz |
Ajax Banstola is a Nepalese–New Zealand youth broadcaster, podcaster and writer. He hosts FactBeast with Ajax, a fortnightly program on Otago Access Radio (OAR) 105.4 FM. The podcast aims to engage tamariki with fun, fact-based storytelling and topics ranging from science and culture to history and hygiene. Beginning his broadcasting career at age seven, Banstola has gained media attention for his engaging presentation style and contributions to community radio.[1]
Early life and background
Ajax was born in Nepal, in 2014. He emigrated to New Zealand with his family at age three. He grew up in Ōtepoti Dunedin and is fluent in English and Nepalese. He is also learning Māori and often incorporates Te Reo Māori phrases into his broadcasts.[1]
Broadcasting career
Hamro Awaz
Ajax began his radio career at age seven by co-hosting Hamro Awaz, a Nepalese and Bhutanese community programme airing on OAR, alongside his father, Dr Ashik Banstola, and Tika Regmi.[1] [2]
FactBeast on Youth Zone
In 2023, he launched FactBeast with Ajax, a youth-focused show covering topics such as science, sports, and cultural events.[3] Topics have ranged from wildcats and Matariki to the FIFA Women’s World Cup and shark biology.[1] He researches and edits the content himself.[1]
Reception
Local newspapers have featured Banstola’s podcast, including the Otago Daily Times, which highlighted his educational focus and young age.[4] He was profiled by The Daily Encourager, a New Zealand-based online publication, for his early contributions to community radio.[1]
Other creative work
In May 2025, Banstola performed his original poem “Above the World – Mt Everest” on-air for Ōtepoti Dunedin’s 72nd Sagarmatha Everest Day celebrations, highlighting cultural connections between Nepal and Aotearoa New Zealand as part of Poetry Pen Pals.[5] In early 2025, Banstola delivered his first public speech on whakapapa alongside other tamariki and rangatahi as part of the "Layers of Identity" project, held at Dunedin City Library on Race Relations Day and UNESCO World Poetry Day.[6]
Poetry publications
Banstola’s poem “The Path to Victory” was published in the UK‑based online magazine The Poetry Zone.[7]
He also wrote a poem reflecting on Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s shared journey, expressing their emotions and triumph on the path to the summit.[8] It tells the story of two remarkable individuals—one from Nepal, where he was born, and one from New Zealand, where he now lives.[9]
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 "Brilliant young broadcaster captivates with his own show". Daily Encourager. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
- ↑ "Hamro Awaz – OAR FM Dunedin". OAR FM. Otago Access Radio. Retrieved 26 July 2025.
- ↑ "Factbeast on Youth Zone – OAR FM". OAR FM. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
- ↑ "Young presenter inspires". Otago Daily Times. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
- ↑ "Celebrating Everest Day with OAR FM's Ajax Banstola". Ōtepoti Dunedin City of Literature. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
- ↑ "Ajax Banstola's Layers of Identity". Ōtepoti Dunedin City of Literature. 12 April 2025. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
- ↑ "The Path to Victory". The Poetry Zone. 14 January 2025. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
- ↑ "Mountains of meaning". Daily Encourager. 10 June 2025. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
- ↑ Henderson, Sam (29 May 2025). "‘Their story is part of my story’". Otago Daily Times (The Star). Retrieved 21 July 2025 – via Otago Daily Times’ website.
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