Rotorua Hams: Connecting Geothermal Enthusiasts Across the Airwaves

Rotorua, NZ – Nestled in the heart of New Zealand's geothermal wonderland, the Rotorua amateur radio branch (Branch Number 33) serves as a vibrant hub for communication, technical exploration, and community engagement. With a diverse schedule of meetings and active nets, this dedicated group keeps the airwaves buzzing and connects "hams" across the picturesque Bay of Plenty.

The club holds its gatherings at the Rotorua Watersports Centre, located at 1 Mataiawhea Street, Ohinemutu 3010, which also serves as their postal address. This unique lakeside location offers a fitting backdrop for a club deeply engaged with communication.

Guiding the Waves: Dedicated Leadership and Committee

The Rotorua branch is led by a committed team of officers, ensuring both smooth club operations and a strong focus on crucial amateur radio functions:

• President: Michael Pinfold (Callsign ZL1BTB) leads the branch, and can be reached at mapinfold@yahoo.com. Michael is also a Repeater Trustee for the 144.350 Linear repeater.
• Secretary: Glenn Thompson (Callsign ZL1GET) handles the club's administration and can be contacted at pathfinder27@xtra.co.nz. Glenn is also a Repeater Trustee for the 439.925 National System.

The club's committee includes Brian Aspinall (ZL1VCR) and Roger Hill (ZL1VCC). Brian Aspinall (ZL1VCR) also serves as the Club Callsign Trustee and an Exam Supervisor (bj.aspinall@yahoo.com), while Roger Hill (ZL1VCC) is a Repeater Trustee for Aorangi/DStar-APRS. James Comber (ZL1BWC) is also a Repeater Trustee for the 147.350 Moerangi repeater.

Another dedicated Exam Supervisor is R.V. Toms (Callsign ZL2BGF), reachable at rextoms8@gmail.com, further strengthening the club's commitment to fostering new talent.

Diverse Meeting Schedule and Active Nets

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

• General Meeting: Held on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 PM. These meetings are an excellent opportunity for members to discuss club news, share insights, and socialize.
• Technical Meeting: For those keen on deeper technical discussions and hands-on learning, a technical meeting is held on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:30 PM.

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

• VHF Net: Held weekly on Wednesdays at 8:00 PM on the 147.350 MHz Repeater.
• HF 80m Proposed Net: A proposed net is set for Sundays at 8:00 AM.

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 its technical intricacies, the Rotorua amateur radio branch offers a welcoming and engaging environment.

For more details on the Rotorua amateur radio group and their activities, reach out to their dedicated officers or tune into their upcoming nets!