Nestled on the slopes of St Heliers, the Auckland Amateur Radio Club (ZL1AA) has become a beacon for wireless enthusiasts across Tāmaki Makaurau. From mountaintop HF adventures to cutting-edge microwave experiments, this 70-year-old institution proves that amateur radio remains as vital—and social—as ever in the digital age.
More Than Just a Hobby Hub
The club’s St Johns Road headquarters buzzes with activity:
📻 Saturday Morning Socials: Doors open at 10:30am for coffee, vintage magazine browsing, and on-air operations
🌄 Field Expeditions: Members regularly haul gear up regional peaks for "Summits on the Air" challenges
🛠️ Tech Playground: Home to a 70cm MMDVM repeater and the 438.575MHz Musick Point repeater (maintained by Simon Watt-Wyness ZL1SWW)
"We’re equal parts makerspace and community centre," says President Matthew Lawrence ZL1LZ. "Last month, a teenager built her first antenna here. Yesterday, our octogenarian members decoded satellite weather images."
Emergency Readiness
Through its AREC (Amateur Radio Emergency Communications) wing, the club:
• Trains with Civil Defence on disaster response protocols
• Maintains crisis-ready equipment under Group Leader Soren Low ZL1SKL
• Partners with coastal communities for tsunami warning tests
"During Cyclone Gabrielle, our members kept isolated communities connected," notes Deputy AREC Leader Japie Nel ZL1JJN. "That’s real-world impact."
Learn the Ropes
Novices can access:
✅ Licensing Courses: Supervised by John Deyell ZL3AQT and Lilly Chapman ZL1LLY
✅ Wednesday Night Nets: 7:30pm on 145.775MHz (Musick Point Repeater)
✅ HF Band Revival: Plans to restart 3.645MHz sessions post-hiatus
Secretary Alec Lilley ZL1HAZ emphasizes inclusivity: "Whether you’re into Morse code or digital modes, we’ve got mentors and gear to get you started."
Join the Airwaves
Visit: Saturdays from 10:30am at 400 St Johns Road (look for the LHS gate sign)
Contact: secretary.zl1haz@pm.me | president.lawrencelatency@gmail.com
Website: www.zl1aa.nz (MMDVM access instructions available)
In an era of instant messaging, ZL1AA keeps the art of deliberate, skilled communication alive—proving that sometimes the oldest technologies forge the strongest connections.
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Follow The New Zealand Herald for more stories about Auckland’s tech communities.
[Did You Know?]
The club’s ZL3TE callsign trustee status allows special event operations, including historic radio recreations. Their Musick Point repeater covers from the Waitākere Ranges to the Hauraki Gulf—perfect for boaties maintaining coastal contact.
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