Hastings Hams: Connecting Hawke's Bay with a Strong Community and Vital Services

Hastings, NZ – For radio enthusiasts across Hawke's Bay, the Hastings amateur radio branch (Branch Number 13) stands as a vibrant and active hub for communication, learning, and vital community service. With regular meetings and a consistent VHF net, this dedicated group keeps the airwaves buzzing and fosters a thriving local "ham" community, keenly focused on both hobby and emergency preparedness.

The club holds its General Meetings at the Pakowhai Hall, located at 1912 Pakowhai Road, Hastings (opposite Brookfields Rd). This accessible venue provides a comfortable space for their monthly gatherings. For postal correspondence, their address is C/- 2/211 McLeod Street, Hastings 4120.

Dedicated Leadership and Emergency Preparedness Focus

The Hastings 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: Keith Hinton-Cooper (Callsign ZL2TAB) leads the branch, and can be reached at keith@transastra.nz. Notably, ZL3TAB is also the Club Callsign Trustee.
• Secretary: David Walker (Callsign ZL2DW) handles the club's administration and can be contacted at david@apexradiocoms.co.nz. David is also one of the Branch Repeater Trustees.
• AREC Group Leader: John R. Newson (Callsign ZL2VAF) is responsible for the club's vital Amateur Radio Emergency Communications (AREC) efforts. He can be reached at glhawkesbay@arec.nz.

The other Branch Repeater Trustee is ZL2MQ, ensuring the proper functioning of the club's regional repeater.

Regular Meetings and Consistent On-Air Activity

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

• General Meetings: Held on the fourth Wednesday of each month (except December) at 7:30 PM at the Pakowhai Hall. These gatherings are an excellent opportunity for members to discuss club news, share technical insights, and socialize.

Beyond in-person gatherings, the Hastings branch keeps the airwaves active with its regular VHF Net, held every Sunday at 9:00 AM on the 146.700 MHz Repeater. This provides a reliable opportunity for members to check in, share news, and conduct discussions.

Fostering New Talent: Dedicated Exam Supervisors

The Hastings 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:

• P.R. Moore (Callsign ZL2HM), pikam@xtra.co.nz
• Raymond Barlow (Callsign ZL2RB), r.w.barlow@xtra.co.nz (listed twice, confirming his dedication!)

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 Hastings amateur radio branch offers a welcoming and engaging environment.

For more details on the Hastings amateur radio group and their activities, visit their website at http://www.zl2as.org.nz or drop by one of their upcoming meetings!