Manawatu Hams: Palmerston North Club a Dynamic Centre for Radio Enthusiasts

Palmerston North, NZ – For radio enthusiasts across the Manawatu region, the Palmerston North amateur radio branch (Branch Number 20) stands as a vibrant and active hub for communication, learning, and community engagement. With multiple regular meetings and consistent activity on both HF and VHF nets, this dedicated group keeps the airwaves buzzing and fosters a thriving local "ham" community.

The club holds its gatherings at 65 Totara Road, Palmerston North 4412. This accessible location provides a comfortable space for their various meetings. For postal correspondence, their address is C/-56 John F Kennedy Drive, Palmerston North 4414.

Dedicated Leadership and Technical Expertise

The Manawatu 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 and technical infrastructure:

• President: Grant Batten (Callsign ZL2XZ) leads the branch, and can be reached at grant@zl2xz.radio.
• Treasurer: Ryan K. Warner (Callsign ZL1RKW) manages the club's finances and can be contacted at ryan@capten.co.nz.
• AREC Group Leader: Darren Sharland (Callsign ZL2DAZ) is responsible for the club's vital Amateur Radio Emergency Communications (AREC) efforts. He can be reached at glmanawatu@arec.nz.

The club benefits from the expertise of its Branch Repeater Trustees, Scott Billington (ZL2FX) and Lachlan Farquhar (ZL2XD), ensuring the proper functioning of their regional repeaters. For general inquiries, the club's email address is info@zl2ko.org.nz.

Diverse Meeting Schedule and Active Nets

The Manawatu branch offers a dynamic schedule for its members to gather, learn, and connect:

• General Meetings:
  • The first Wednesday of each month at 7:30 PM.
  • The fourth Wednesday of the month at 2:00 PM, offering an alternative time for those who prefer daytime gatherings.

Beyond in-person gatherings, the Manawatu branch keeps the airwaves active with its regular nets:

• HF Net: Held every Sunday at 9:00 AM on 3570 kHz (3.57 MHz).
• VHF Net: Connect on 147.125 MHz every Thursday at 8:00 PM.

Fostering New Talent: Dedicated Exam Supervisors

The Manawatu branch is highly committed to fostering new talent, boasting a dedicated team of Exam Supervisors ready to guide aspiring radio amateurs through the licensing process. They can be contacted via the general club email or specifically through newham@zl2ko.org.nz and committee@zl2ko.org.nz.

Specific Exam Supervisors include:

• R.J. De Burgh (Callsign ZL2TG), jdeburgh@gmail.com
• P.J. Moore (Callsign ZL2AUB), zl2aub@inspire.net.nz
• I. Thompson (Callsign ZL2IAN), iceni@slingshot.co.nz
• M.J. Wheatley (Callsign ZL2MAX), max@zl2max.gen.nz

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 Manawatu amateur radio branch offers a welcoming and engaging environment in Palmerston North.

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For more details on the Manawatu amateur radio group and their activities, visit their website at http://zl2ko.org.nz/ or drop by one of their upcoming meetings!