Wellington VHF Group: A Dedicated Hub for High-Frequency Communications in the Capital

Tawa, NZ – For radio enthusiasts with a keen interest in Very High Frequency (VHF) communications, the Wellington VHF Group (Branch Number 74) stands as a vital and active hub in the capital region. With regular monthly meetings and a consistent VHF net, this dedicated group fosters a thriving local "ham" community, with a strong focus on technical aspects and emergency preparedness.

The club holds its gatherings at the Tawa Community Centre, located at 5 Cambridge Street, Tawa. This accessible venue provides a comfortable space for their monthly meetings. For postal correspondence, their address is C/- 28 Hereford Street, Wellington 6012.

Dedicated Leadership and Emergency Preparedness Focus

The Wellington VHF Group is guided by a committed team of officers who ensure smooth club operations and a strong emphasis on crucial amateur radio functions, particularly in emergency communications and technical expertise:

• President: B.L. Fearnley (Callsign ZL2BRF) leads the branch, and can be reached at president@vhf.nz.
• Secretary & Vice-President: Rob Wallace (Callsign ZL2WAL) efficiently manages both secretarial duties and serves as Vice-President. He can be contacted at secretary@vhf.nz or vicepresident@vhf.nz, or by phone at 021 762 925.
• AREC Group Leader: Ross A. Pedder (Callsign ZL2UAC) is responsible for the club's vital Amateur Radio Emergency Communications (AREC) efforts for the Wellington region. He can be reached at glwellington@arec.nz.

Consistent Meetings and Active VHF Net

The Wellington VHF Group offers a consistent schedule for its members to gather, learn, and connect:

• General Meeting: Held on the last Thursday of each month (except December) at 7:30 PM. These gatherings are an excellent opportunity for members to discuss club news, share technical insights, and socialize.

Beyond in-person gatherings, the club maintains a strong presence on the airwaves with its regular VHF Net:

• Weekly VHF Net: Held every Wednesday at 8:00 PM on the 710 repeater. This provides a reliable opportunity for members to check in, share news, and conduct technical discussions.

Fostering New Talent: Dedicated Exam Supervisors

The Wellington VHF Group is committed to growing the amateur radio community, with a dedicated team of Exam Supervisors ready to guide aspiring radio amateurs through the licensing process:

• J.D. Ingham (Callsign ZL2TAR), doug.ingham@orcon.net.nz
• Steve Jepson (Callsign ZL2SJ), steve.jepson@gmail.com

Whether you're a seasoned "ham" with a passion for VHF communications, an aspiring radio amateur keen to earn your license, or simply interested in the technical side of wireless communication and its vital role in regional connectivity, the Wellington VHF Group offers a welcoming and engaging environment.

For more details on the Wellington VHF Group and their activities, visit their website at https://vhf.nz/ or drop by one of their upcoming meetings!