Papakura Hams: A Busy Hub for Communication and Community Service

Papakura, NZ – For radio enthusiasts south of Auckland, the Papakura amateur radio branch (Branch Number 65) is a bustling centre of activity, offering a packed schedule of meetings, project nights, and vital emergency preparedness. This dynamic group, known for its strong community focus, keeps the airwaves lively and connects "hams" across the region.

The club holds its gatherings at Wellington Park, 1R Great South Road, Papakura, a convenient and accessible location for its members. For postal correspondence, their address is 894 Ponga Road, Papakura 2584.

Dedicated Leadership for a Connected Community

The Papakura branch is guided by a committed and multi-faceted team of officers, ensuring both smooth club operations and a robust focus on emergency communications:

• President: Gavin Denby (Callsign ZL1NUX) leads the branch, and can be reached at zl1nux@outlook.com or by phone at 021 459 192. Gavin also serves as an Exam Supervisor.
• Vice President & Club Call Sign Trustee: Richard Gamble (Callsign ZL1BNQ) plays a crucial dual role, supporting the president and managing the club's on-air identity. He is also the AREC Group Leader and can be contacted at glpapakura@arec.nz or 021 729-270. Richard is also an Exam Supervisor.
• Secretary & AREC Deputy Group Leader: Ian Ashley (Callsign ZL1AOX) handles the club's administration and assists with emergency preparedness. He can be contacted at zl1vk.club@gmail.com or 021 198-1810. Ian is also an Exam Supervisor.
• AREC Deputy Group Leader 2: Ian Clifford (Callsign ZL1IRC) further strengthens the emergency communications team, reachable at dglpapakura2@arec.nz or 021 082 48400.

Another Exam Supervisor for the branch is R.J. Stokes (Callsign ZL1RJS), reachable at rob@zl1rjs.co.nz, highlighting the club's commitment to nurturing new talent.

A Full Calendar of Meetings and Active Nets

The Papakura branch maintains a busy schedule for its members to gather, learn, and connect:

• General Meeting: Held on the first Wednesday of each month at 7:30 PM.
• Projects Evenings: Dedicated to hands-on learning and collaborative builds, these are held on the second and fourth Wednesdays at 7:30 PM.
• AREC Meeting: On any fifth Wednesday of a month, an AREC meeting is held at 7:30 PM, underscoring the club's dedication to emergency communications.
• Committee Meeting: For the club's executive, meetings take place on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:30 PM.

Beyond in-person gatherings, the Papakura branch is highly active on the airwaves with its regular nets every Sunday morning:

• VHF Net: Kicks off on the Auckland 6625 repeater (146.625MHz) at 8:30 AM.
• HF Net: Immediately follows the VHF net at 9:00 AM local time on 3.755 MHz, and also via the 146.675 Repeater with a 141.3 Tone.

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 and community service, the Papakura amateur radio branch offers a welcoming and engaging environment.

For more details on the Papakura amateur radio group and their activities, visit their website at http://www.qsl.net/zl1vk or drop by one of their many upcoming meetings or nets!