Hutt Valley Hams: Lower Hutt Club a Hub for Communication and Camaraderie

Lower Hutt, NZ – For radio enthusiasts across the Hutt Valley, the Lower Hutt amateur radio branch (Branch Number 18) stands as a vibrant and active hub for communication, learning, and community engagement. With regular meetings, informal gatherings, and a consistent HF net, this dedicated group keeps the airwaves buzzing and fosters a thriving local "ham" community.

The club holds its gatherings at the Philip Evans Reserve, off Birch Street, Waterloo, Lower Hutt. This accessible location provides a comfortable space for their meetings. For postal correspondence, their address is 52 Cudby Street, Lower Hutt 5011.

Dedicated Leadership and Technical Expertise

The Hutt Valley branch is guided by a committed team of officers who ensure smooth club operations and the proper functioning of their regional repeaters:

• President: J. McKenzie (Callsign ZL4CV) leads the branch, and can be reached at jmj44200@gmail.com. Jim is also one of the Repeater Trustees.
• Secretary: C.R. Purcell (Callsign ZL2POS) handles the club's administration and can be contacted at crispeychris@gmail.com.

The club benefits from the expertise of its Repeater Trustees, Gavin Cross (ZL2TVM) and Jim McKenzie (ZL4CV). Gavin Cross (ZL2TVM) also serves as the Club Callsign Trustee and an Exam Supervisor (zl2tvm@gmail.com), playing a crucial role in nurturing new talent. Another dedicated Exam Supervisor is Andy Henderson (Callsign ZL2AHW), reachable at agsehenderson@gmail.com.

Consistent Meetings and Active Nets

The Hutt Valley branch offers a regular schedule for its members to gather, learn, and connect:

• General Meeting: Held on the first Monday of each month at 7:30 PM, with the exception of June, when it moves to the second Monday to accommodate the AGM. These gatherings are an excellent opportunity for members to discuss club news, share technical insights, and socialize.
• Informal Meetings: The club also hosts informal gatherings every Friday at 7:30 PM, providing a relaxed setting for conversation and collaboration.
• AGM (Annual General Meeting): The AGM takes place on the second Monday in June.

Beyond in-person gatherings, the Hutt Valley branch keeps the airwaves active with its regular HF Net, held every Sunday at 9:00 AM on 3675 kHz (3.675 MHz).

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, the Hutt Valley amateur radio branch offers a welcoming and engaging environment in Lower Hutt.

For more details on the Hutt Valley amateur radio group and their activities, visit their website at http://www.zl2hv.org.nz/ or drop by one of their upcoming meetings!