Far North Hams Keeping Kaitaia Connected: Flexible Meetings and a Strong VHF Presence

Kaitaia, NZ – In the picturesque Far North of New Zealand, the Kaitaia amateur radio branch (Branch Number 78) is a testament to the adaptability and community spirit of local "hams." eschewing a fixed meeting hall, this dedicated group thrives on flexible gatherings in members' homes, ensuring connections remain strong across the region's airwaves.

While not having a single public meeting address, the branch serves the Kaitaia area, with its postal address conveniently located at PO Box 4, Kaitaia 0410. This allows the group to remain agile and accessible to its members spread across the Far North.

Leadership Guiding the Airwaves

The Far North branch is led by a committed team of officers who ensure smooth operations and vital emergency preparedness:

• President: Alan Meek (Callsign ZL1RQ) leads the charge, and can be reached at farnorthham@gmail.com. Alan also serves as an Exam Supervisor, guiding new enthusiasts into the world of amateur radio.
• Secretary: Graeme Hope (Callsign ZL1SG) handles the administrative duties and can be contacted via email at graeme.hope62@gmail.com.
• Alternative Contact & AREC Contact: Nigel Goldstone (Callsign ZL2SEA) plays a pivotal dual role, serving as a key alternative contact for the branch and spearheading its crucial emergency communications efforts. He can be reached at kiwi_saila@yahoo.co.nz. Nigel is also the Club Call Sign Trustee and the primary Branch Repeater Contact, highlighting his central role in the branch's operations.

Another Exam Supervisor for the branch is Tony Johnstone (Callsign ZL1RZ), reachable at q85988@gmail.com, further strengthening the club's commitment to nurturing new talent.

Keeping Connected: Flexible Meetings and a Regular Net

While formal "Meetings in Members Homes as Required" offer flexibility, the Far North branch maintains a strong and consistent presence on the airwaves with its VHF Net. This important local contact point is held every Monday at 7:00 PM on the Akatere 146.775 repeater, providing a regular opportunity for members to check in, share news, and conduct technical discussions.

The Branch AGM for 2024 took place on March 3rd, demonstrating the ongoing governance and active participation within the group.

For anyone in the Far North curious about amateur radio, looking to gain a license, or simply seeking a vibrant community of "hams," the Kaitaia branch offers a welcoming and active network.

For more details on the Far North amateur radio group and their activities, reach out to their dedicated officers or tune into their weekly VHF Net!