Prepared and On Air: Tauranga Emergency Communications Group a Vital Community Asset

Tauranga, NZ – In the vibrant Bay of Plenty, the Tauranga Emergency Communications Group (Branch Number 88) stands as a crucial pillar of community preparedness and a dedicated hub for amateur radio enthusiasts. With a strong focus on emergency response and regular on-air activity, this group of "hams" plays a vital role in ensuring reliable communication when it matters most.

The group's operational base and postal address is 51 Sixth Avenue, Tauranga 3110. However, for their General Meetings, members and visitors gather on the third Thursday of the month (except December) at 7:00 PM at 223 Bellevue Road, Tauranga 3110.

Leadership Dedicated to Preparedness

The Tauranga Emergency Communications Group is led by a committed team, with a strong emphasis on their AREC (Amateur Radio Emergency Communications) functions:

• President & AREC Group Leader: Robert Taylor (Callsign ZL1RKT) leads both the branch and its critical emergency communications efforts. He can be reached at robertktaylor@eol.co.nz or by phone at 027 575-2524.
• Secretary: David Vandenberg (Callsign ZL1DFV) handles the group's administration and is also a primary contact. He can be reached at ezld@live.com or by phone at 021 202 2002.
• AREC Deputy Group Leader: Craig Murray (Callsign ZL1HSV) provides essential support to the AREC leadership. He can be contacted at dgltaurangaecg@arec.nz or by phone at 021 157-5562.
• Treasurer: Brent Martin (ZL1BPC) manages the group's finances.
• Branch Repeater Contact: Bill Richardson (ZL1APD) is the go-to person for information regarding the group's repeaters.

Meeting Schedule and Vital VHF Net

The Tauranga Emergency Communications Group maintains a consistent schedule for its members to gather and refine their skills:

• General Meetings: These are held on the third Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM, with the exception of December.
• Committee Meetings: These are combined with the Branch Meetings. Visitors are kindly requested to phone ahead to the contact person, Robert Taylor (ZL1RKT) or David Vandenberg (ZL1DFV), in case there are any last-minute changes to the venue or time.

On the airwaves, the group hosts a regular VHF Net every Wednesday at 8:30 PM on the Tauranga 147.025/7025 repeater. This net is crucial for maintaining readiness and for members to practice their communication skills.

Fostering New Talent for Emergency Preparedness

The group is dedicated to bringing new individuals into the amateur radio fold, recognizing their vital role in future emergency communications. Arthur Hudson (Callsign ZL1RTY) serves as an Exam Supervisor, guiding aspiring radio amateurs through the licensing process. He can be reached at kingdomforce@hotmail.com.

Whether you're a seasoned "ham" eager to contribute to community safety, an aspiring radio amateur keen to earn your license with a focus on public service, or simply interested in the critical role of amateur radio in emergency management, the Tauranga Emergency Communications Group offers a welcoming and mission-driven environment.

For more details on the Tauranga Emergency Communications Group and their vital activities, reach out to their dedicated officers or tune into their weekly VHF Net!