Napier Hams: Connecting Hawke's Bay with Regular Meetings and Shared Nets

Napier, NZ – For radio enthusiasts across the beautiful Hawke's Bay region, the Napier amateur radio branch (Branch Number 25) stands as a vibrant and active hub for communication, learning, and camaraderie. With regular monthly meetings and a shared net with the Hastings branch, this dedicated group keeps the airwaves buzzing and fosters a thriving local "ham" community.

The club holds its gatherings at their club rooms, located at 123 Latham Street, Marewa, Napier 4001. This accessible location provides a comfortable space for their meetings. For postal correspondence, their address is 10 Campaign Street, Napier 4110.

Dedicated Leadership for a Connected Community

The Napier branch is guided by a committed team of officers who ensure smooth club operations:

• President: Bryce Gilbert (Callsign ZL1BCG) leads the branch, and can be reached at zl1bcg@gmail.com.
• Secretary: Lisa Jolene Thompson (Callsign ZL4XE) handles the club's administration and can be contacted at bl4ckriven@gmail.com.

Consistent Meetings and Collaborative Net

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

• General Meeting: Held on the first Wednesday of each month at 7:30 PM at the club rooms, with the exception of January. These gatherings are an excellent opportunity for members to discuss club news, share technical insights, and socialize.

Beyond in-person gatherings, the Napier branch actively participates in a combined net:

• Combined VHF Net: Napier Branch 25 and Hastings Branch 13 share a net every Sunday at 9:00 AM on the Hawke's Bay 670 repeater (146.700 MHz). This collaboration strengthens regional communication among amateur radio operators.

Fostering New Talent: Dedicated Exam Supervisor

The Napier branch is committed to growing the amateur radio community. D.J. Crook (Callsign ZL2MQ) serves as an Exam Supervisor, guiding aspiring radio amateurs through the licensing process. He can be reached at davey.crook@gmail.com.

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 Napier amateur radio branch offers a welcoming and engaging environment in Hawke's Bay.

For more details on the Napier amateur radio group and their activities, visit their website at http://www.zl2gt.nz/blog/ or drop by one of their upcoming meetings!