Kapiti Hams: Paraparaumu Club a Lively Hub for Coastline Communications

Paraparaumu, NZ – For radio enthusiasts along the stunning Kapiti Coast, the Kapiti amateur radio branch (Branch Number 69) stands as a vibrant and highly active hub for communication, learning, and community engagement. With regular open clubrooms, monthly meetings, and a dedicated repeater for social gatherings, this group ensures the airwaves are buzzing and fosters a thriving local "ham" community.

The club holds its gatherings at the corner of Tutanekai Street and Aorangi Road, Paraparaumu. This accessible location provides a comfortable space for their activities. For postal correspondence, their address is 8 Goldie Place, Waikanae 5036.

Dedicated Leadership for a Connected Coastline

The Kapiti branch is guided by a committed team of officers who ensure smooth club operations and a strong focus on crucial amateur radio functions, including emergency preparedness:

• President: R. Harkett (Callsign ZL2FY) leads the branch, and can be reached at zl2fy@outlook.com.
• Secretary: Steve Jepson (Callsign ZL2SJ) handles the club's administration and can be contacted at steve.jepson@gmail.com.
• Treasurer: Mike Davenport (ZL2MXD) manages the club's finances.
• AREC Group Leader: Geoff Cooke (Callsign ZL2TGC) is responsible for the club's vital Amateur Radio Emergency Communications (AREC) efforts. He can be reached at glkapiti@arec.nz.

The club benefits from the expertise of its Branch Repeater Trustees, Len Blackley (ZL2GO) and Tony Brown (ZL2DB), ensuring the proper functioning of their regional repeater. The Club Callsign Trustee is Peter Kidd (ZL2BIR).

Abundant Opportunities for Connection and Learning

The Kapiti branch offers a generous schedule for its members to gather, learn, and connect:

• General Meetings: These are held on the third Saturday of each month. While the time isn't explicitly stated, it's typically around the club's open hours.
• Clubrooms Open: The clubrooms are open every Saturday at 10:00 AM (except Christmas Day), providing an excellent informal setting for members to work on projects, chat, and socialize.
• Mid-week Sessions: The club also holds sessions on Wednesdays at 7:30 PM, offering another opportunity for engagement.

For those keen to connect on the air, the 146.850 Repeater is designated for social gatherings, fostering easy communication among members.

Fostering New Talent: Dedicated Exam Supervisors

The Kapiti 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:

• Anthony E. Locke (Callsign ZL2AEL), tonylocke42@gmail.com
• Jeff Graham (Callsign ZL2JG), jg.waikanae@gmail.com

The Branch AGM was held on February 18, 2023, 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, the Kapiti amateur radio branch offers a welcoming and engaging environment on the beautiful Kapiti Coast.

For more details on the Kapiti amateur radio group and their activities, visit their website at http://zl2kb.org.nz/ or drop by their clubrooms on a Saturday morning!