New Plymouth Hams: A Dynamic Hub for Taranaki Radio Enthusiasts

New Plymouth, NZ – For radio enthusiasts across the Taranaki region, the New Plymouth amateur radio branch (Branch Number 27) stands as a vibrant and active hub for communication, learning, and community engagement. With regular monthly meetings and consistent activity on both VHF and HF nets, this dedicated group keeps the airwaves buzzing and fosters a thriving local "ham" community.

The club holds its gatherings at TEMO (Taranaki Emergency Management Office), located at 45 Robe Street, New Plymouth 4310. This accessible location provides a comfortable space for their various meetings. For postal correspondence, their address is C/- 36/1 Hine Street, New Plymouth 4310.

Dedicated Leadership and Extensive Technical Expertise

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

• President: Terry Baldwin (Callsign ZL2TNB) leads the branch, and can be reached at zl2ufw@gmail.com.
• Secretary: D.J. Beale (Callsign ZL3DUG) handles the club's administration and can be contacted at zl3dug@zl2ab.com.

The club benefits from the expertise of its Branch Repeater Trustees, Jonno Bollond (ZL2JBK) and Greg Banks (ZL2BZH), who manage the important 720 and 8475 repeaters. Jonno Bollond (ZL2JBK) also serves as the Club Callsign Trustee for ZL2AB/ZL6RFA/ZL2TO. Brett Larkin (ZL2VZ) is listed as the trustee for call sign ZL2PT and is also an Exam Supervisor.

Diverse Meeting Schedule and Active Nets

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

• General Meetings: Held on the third Tuesday of each month from February to November. The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is held on the second Tuesday in December at TEMO.
• January Net: A specific net for January is held on the 3rd Tuesday at 7:00 PM on the 720 repeater.

Beyond in-person gatherings, the New Plymouth branch maintains a strong presence on the airwaves with its regular nets:

• Weekly VHF Net: Held every Wednesday at 8:00 PM on the 720 MHz repeater.
• HF Net: Conducted on 80m (3.660 MHz) on the first day of each month at 8:30 PM.

Fostering New Talent: Dedicated Exam Supervisors

The New Plymouth 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:

• W.A. Campbell (Callsign ZL2AIB), radiokes627@gmail.com
• G.V. Jury (Callsign ZL2APV), gvjury@gmail.com
• G.J. Banks (Callsign ZL2BZH), gregory.banks@gmail.com
• I.D. Hayton (Callsign ZL2IH), zl2ih@conti.net.nz
• B. Larkin (Callsign ZL2VZ), b.larkin@orcon.net.nz
• Daniel Vandenberg (Callsign ZL2DRV), zl2drv@xtra.co.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 New Plymouth amateur radio branch offers a welcoming and engaging environment in Taranaki.

For more details on the New Plymouth amateur radio group and their activities, visit their website at http://www.zl2ab.com or drop by one of their upcoming meetings!