Taupo Hams: Connecting the Central North Island from the Heart of the Lake District

Taupo, NZ – For radio enthusiasts in the stunning Central North Island, the Taupo amateur radio branch (Branch Number 60) serves as a vital link for communication, emergency preparedness, and community engagement. Nestled by the shores of New Zealand's largest lake, this active group maintains crucial repeaters and a welcoming spirit for "hams" across the region.

The club holds its gatherings at The First Taupo Scout Den, located at 32 Wheretia Street, Taupo. This community-focused venue provides a comfortable space for members to meet. For postal correspondence, their address is 186 Taharepa Road, Taupo 3330.

Guiding the Waves: Dedicated Leadership and AREC Focus

The Taupo branch is led by a committed team of officers who ensure smooth club operations and a strong emphasis on emergency communications:

• President & Exam Supervisor: Kelvin Brooking (Callsign ZL1KU) leads the branch, and is also instrumental in guiding new aspirants into the world of amateur radio. He can be reached at zl1ku@yahoo.com.au.
• AREC Group Leader: Graeme Frederick (Callsign ZL1BU) is responsible for the club's vital Amateur Radio Emergency Communications (AREC) efforts. He can be contacted at gltaupo@arec.nz.

For specific meeting information, the club advises interested parties to contact them directly via email at zl1bco@zl1bco.nz. This allows them to provide the most up-to-date details on their gatherings.

Key Repeaters for Regional Coverage

The Taupo branch maintains several important repeaters, extending their reach across the Central North Island and even linking to other regions:

• Maroanui 2m Repeater: Operating on 146.750 MHz (-600 Hz split), this repeater is notably linked to the 147.250 MHz Taraponui repeater in Hawke's Bay, creating a wider communication network.
• Maroanui APRS: For Automatic Packet Reporting System enthusiasts, there's an APRS frequency on 144.575 MHz (simplex).
• Maroanui 70cm National System Repeater: This repeater operates on 439.825 MHz (-5.0 MHz split), connecting into the national amateur radio system.

Connecting Beyond the Airwaves: Social Media Presence

The Taupo amateur radio group also maintains a presence on social media, fostering a broader community connection. You can find their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/520717438843464, a great resource for updates and interaction.

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 vital role of amateur radio in emergency services and regional connectivity, the Taupo amateur radio branch offers a welcoming and active environment.

For more details on the Taupo amateur radio group and their activities, visit their website at http://www.zl1bco.nz, check their Facebook page, or reach out to their dedicated officers!