Gisborne Hams: Connecting Tairāwhiti with a Vast Network and Community Spirit

Gisborne, NZ – For radio enthusiasts across the stunning Tairāwhiti region, the Gisborne amateur radio branch (Branch Number 11) stands as a dynamic and exceptionally well-connected hub. With regular meetings, multiple active nets, and an extensive array of local and linked repeaters, this dedicated group keeps the airwaves buzzing and fosters a thriving local "ham" community, keenly focused on both communication and emergency preparedness.

The club holds its General Meetings at the EIT PB 101, located at 290-291 Palmerston Road, Gisborne 4010. This central location provides a convenient space for their monthly gatherings. For postal correspondence, their address is PO Box 640, Gisborne 4040.

Dedicated Leadership and Emergency Preparedness Focus

The Gisborne branch is guided by a committed team of officers who ensure smooth club operations and a strong emphasis on crucial amateur radio functions, particularly in emergency communications:

• President & AREC Group Leader: Scott Casley (Callsign ZL2CAZ) leads both the branch and its vital Amateur Radio Emergency Communications (AREC) efforts. He also serves as the Club Callsign Trustee. He can be reached at scottzl2caz@gmail.com for general inquiries or glgisborne@arec.nz for AREC matters.
• Secretary: Liam Cottle (Callsign ZL2DEV) handles the club's administration and can be contacted at liam@liamcottle.com.
• AREC Deputy Group Leader: Ian McLachlan (Callsign ZL2IMM) provides essential support to the AREC leadership, reachable at dglgisborne@arec.nz.

Active Meetings and Extensive On-Air Operations

The Gisborne branch offers a consistent schedule for its members to gather, learn, and connect:

• General Meeting: Held on the first Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM at the EIT PB101, located at the corner of Palmerston Road & Derby Street, Gisborne.
• Committee Meeting: The committee typically meets monthly, usually on the first Monday.

Beyond in-person gatherings, the Gisborne branch is exceptionally active on the airwaves with multiple regular nets and a comprehensive repeater network:

• VHF Net: Held every Sunday from 7:30 PM onwards on 146.800 MHz.
• HF Net: Connect on 3.666 MHz LSB (Lower Sideband) every Wednesday from 8:00 PM.

A Gateway to Communication: Repeaters and Linking Systems

The club boasts an impressive array of repeaters and linking systems, making it a powerful communication hub for the region:

• Local Repeaters, Digipeaters and Frequencies (MHz):
  • 144.575: APRS digipeater (known as "4575")
  • 146.800: Local Gisborne City and area repeater (known as "680 Kaiti Hill")
  • 146.850: Northern repeater covering East Coast & Bay of Plenty (known as "685 Arowhana")
  • 146.900: Southern repeater covering Wairoa & Hawkes Bay (known as "690 Whakapunake")
  • 439.200: DMR repeater TG10 (Local)
  • 439.500: Te Karaka repeater (known as "950") using CTCSS tone 123Hz
  • 439.875: National System repeater (known as "9875")
• Linking Systems:
  • IRLP Node 6105 (on 680): Gisborne, New Zealand
  • IRLP Node 6069 (on 6475): Hexton, New Zealand
  • Echolink Node 69196 (on 6475): Hexton, New Zealand
  • Echolink Node 436568 (on 950): Te Karaka, New Zealand

Notably, the 4575 (APRS), 690 (Southern Repeater), and 9875 (National System) repeaters are co-sited, offering similar excellent coverage. Repeater Contacts are Cam (ZL1DKS) and Sam (ZL4SAM).

Fostering New Talent: Dedicated Exam Supervisors

The Gisborne branch is committed to growing the amateur radio community, with a strong team of Exam Supervisors ready to guide aspiring radio amateurs through the licensing process:

• Aidan Kirk (Callsign ZL2ABK), aidan@ew.net.nz
• Steve Main (Callsign ZL2RI), mainsparks123@gmail.com

The Branch AGM is scheduled for June 9, 2024, indicating the club's ongoing active governance.

Whether you're a seasoned "ham" looking for a vibrant local community, an aspiring radio amateur keen to earn your license, or simply interested in the world of wireless communication and its vital role in regional connectivity and emergency services, the Gisborne amateur radio branch offers a welcoming and engaging environment.

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For more details on the Gisborne amateur radio group and their extensive activities, visit their website at http://zl2aa.nz/ or drop by one of their upcoming meetings!