Western Suburbs Hams: New Lynn Radio Club a Vibrant Hub in West Auckland

New Lynn, Auckland – For radio enthusiasts across West Auckland, the Western Suburbs amateur radio branch (Branch Number 3) stands as a vibrant and welcoming hub for communication, learning, and community engagement. With regular general meetings, social gatherings, and active nets, this dedicated group keeps the airwaves buzzing and fosters a thriving local "ham" community.

The club extends a warm welcome to all "hams" to visit them either on air or at their club rooms, conveniently located at 3000 Great North Road, New Lynn, West Auckland 0600. This address also serves as their postal address.

Dedicated Leadership for a Connected Community

The Western Suburbs branch is guided by a committed team of officers, ensuring both smooth club operations and a strong focus on crucial amateur radio functions, including emergency preparedness:

• President: Ian Sangster (Callsign ZL1RCA) leads the branch, and can be reached at sangsfam@gmail.com.
• Secretary: Ian Ramsay (Callsign ZL1BYI) handles the club's administration and can be contacted at realalebrewer@gmail.com.
• AREC Group Leader: John Neill (Callsign ZL1NE) is responsible for the club's vital Amateur Radio Emergency Communications (AREC) efforts. He can be reached at glwesternsuburbs@arec.nz.
• Alternative Contact & Club Call Sign Trustee & Exam Supervisor: Grant Manning (Callsign ZL1GSM) plays a pivotal multi-faceted role. He serves as a key alternative contact for the branch, manages the club's on-air identity, and guides new aspirants through the licensing process. He can be reached at grunta13@gmail.com.

Another dedicated Exam Supervisor for the branch is Tony May (Callsign ZL1TLC), reachable at tpmay@hotmail.com, further solidifying the club's commitment to fostering new talent.

Diverse Meeting Schedule and Active Nets

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

• General Meetings: These are held on the fourth Saturday of each month at 10:00 AM at the club rooms. These gatherings are an excellent opportunity for members to discuss club news, share technical insights, and socialize.
• Committee Meetings: These precede the General Meetings, commencing at 9:00 AM on the same day.
• Social Meetings: For more informal camaraderie and ongoing engagement, social meetings are held every Wednesday.

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

• VHF Net: Held every Wednesday at 8:00 PM on 146.525 MHz Simplex.
• HF Net: Connect on 3650 kHz every Friday at 8:00 PM.

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, the Western Suburbs amateur radio branch offers a welcoming and engaging environment right in West Auckland.

For more details on the Western Suburbs amateur radio group and their activities, visit their website at http://www.amateurradio.co.nz or drop by their club rooms during one of their many meetings!