Te Puke, NZ – For radio enthusiasts in the heart of the Bay of Plenty, the Te Puke amateur radio branch (Branch Number 53) serves as a vibrant and welcoming hub for communication, technical exploration, and community spirit. With regular Saturday open hours, monthly business meetings, and a strong presence on various repeaters, this dedicated group keeps the airwaves buzzing and fosters a thriving local "ham" community.
The club's meeting address is at the Rear Paengaroa Community Hall, 4 Old Coach Road, Paengaroa 3189. This convenient location provides a comfortable space for members and visitors. For postal correspondence, their address is 223 State Highway 33, Te Puke 3189.
Dedicated Leadership and Technical Expertise
The Te Puke branch is guided by a committed team of officers who ensure smooth club operations and a strong focus on technical advancements:
- President: K.F. Tognazzo (Callsign ZL1KFT) leads the branch, and can be reached at tognazzokevin@gmail.com or by phone at 021 296 1447.
- Treasurer & Secretary: Syd Rowe (Callsign ZL1LWR) efficiently handles both the club's finances and administration, and is also an Exam Supervisor. He can be contacted at syd.rowe@xtra.co.nz.
The ZL1IB Callsign Trustee is Andrew Race (ZL1TAP), who also serves as an Exam Supervisor (jodeberg@hotmail.com).
Open Clubrooms, Regular Meetings, and Active Nets
The Te Puke branch offers ample opportunities for members to connect, learn, and engage:
- Business Meetings: Held on the second Saturday of each month (except January) commencing at 1:30 PM. These meetings are an excellent opportunity for members to discuss club news, share insights, and socialize.
- Clubrooms Open Hours: The clubrooms are open every Saturday from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM, providing informal opportunities for members to work on projects, chat, and enjoy the hobby.
- Annual General Meeting: The AGM takes place on the second Saturday of April each year.
Beyond in-person gatherings, the Te Puke branch keeps the airwaves active with its regular ZL1IB Club VHF Net, held every Tuesday night at 8:00 PM on 7.150 KHz.
Comprehensive Repeater Network
The club maintains a robust network of repeaters, ensuring widespread coverage and diverse communication options:
- VHF 147.175 & UHF 438.550 Repeaters: Trustees for these repeaters are Neill Ellis (ZL1TAJ) and Andrew Moffatt (ZL1MOF). Andrew Moffatt is also an Exam Supervisor (zl1mof@gmail.com).
- D-Star ZL1IBD-C VHF 145.725 Repeater: Trustees for this D-Star repeater are John Cullen (ZL1BVA) and Andrew Race (ZL1TAP). John Cullen is also an Exam Supervisor (zl1bva@gmail.com).
Fostering New Talent: Dedicated Exam Supervisors
The Te Puke 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:
- J.K. Cullen (Callsign ZL1BVA), zl1bva@gmail.com
- Craig Chew (Callsign ZL1ER), chewbaby@orcon.net.nz
- Andrew Moffatt (Callsign ZL1MOF), zl1mof@gmail.com
- A.P. Race (Callsign ZL1TAP), jodeberg@hotmail.com
- Syd Rowe (Callsign ZL1LWR), syd.rowe@xtra.co.nz
Annual Market Day: A Highlight for Enthusiasts
A significant event in the club's calendar is its Annual Market Day, held in the month of March. This popular event is a must-attend for radio enthusiasts, offering opportunities for buying, selling, and trading amateur radio equipment and related items.
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 advancements, the Te Puke amateur radio branch offers a welcoming and engaging environment.
For more details on the Te Puke amateur radio group and their activities, visit their website at http://zl1ib.nzart.org.nz/ or drop by their clubrooms on a Saturday afternoon!
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