Whangarei Hams: Keeping Northland Connected with Diverse Radio Activities

Whangarei, NZ – For radio enthusiasts across Northland, the Whangarei amateur radio branch (Branch Number 28) stands as a vibrant and active hub for communication, learning, and community engagement. With a diverse schedule of meetings, social gatherings, and multiple nets, this dedicated group keeps the airwaves buzzing and fosters a thriving local "ham" community.

The club holds its gatherings at Kiwi North, located at 500 State Highway 14, Maunu, Whangarei. This unique setting provides an engaging backdrop for their activities. For postal correspondence, their address is 1 Charles Street, Whangarei 0112.

Dedicated Leadership for a Connected Community

The Whangarei branch is guided by a committed team of officers who ensure smooth club operations and a strong focus on crucial amateur radio functions:

• President: David Ian Wright (Callsign ZL1MVL) leads the branch, and can be reached at gw0vml@gmail.com.
• Secretary & Club Callsign Trustee & Exam Supervisor: A. Walker (Callsign ZL1AW) efficiently handles the club's administration, manages its on-air identity, and guides new aspirants through the licensing process. He can be contacted at nedq@xtra.co.nz.

The club benefits from the expertise of its Branch Repeater Trustees, including ZL1TX, ZL1TOB, ZL1BSW, and ZL1DTE, ensuring the proper functioning of their regional repeater network.

Further strengthening their commitment to fostering new talent, the club also has Exam Supervisors J.V. Crawford (Callsign ZL1TOB), reachable at jeff@nns.net.nz, and B.W. Pattison (Callsign ZL1ANT), reachable at zl1@xtra.co.nz.

Diverse Meeting Schedule and Active Nets

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

• General Meeting: Held on the first Wednesday of each month at 7:30 PM. These gatherings are an excellent opportunity for members to discuss club news, share technical insights, and socialize.
• Committee Meeting: These take place on the last Wednesday of the month at 7:00 PM at the clubrooms.
• Social Get-Together: For more informal camaraderie and ongoing engagement, there's a social gathering every Wednesday from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Members are advised to check the VHF Repeater 6650 for updates regarding these sessions.

Beyond in-person gatherings, the Whangarei branch keeps the airwaves active with multiple regular nets:

• VHF Net: Held every Thursday at 8:00 PM on the Whangarei 665 repeater.
• HF Net: Connect on 3.585 kHz every Sunday at 8:30 PM.
• CW Improvers Net: For those honing their Morse Code skills, a net is held every Tuesday at 8:00 PM on 3581 kHz.

The Branch AGM is typically held in December, signaling the end of an active year for the club.

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 Whangarei amateur radio branch offers a welcoming and engaging environment in Northland.

For more details on the Whangarei amateur radio group and their activities, visit their website at https://zl1am.org.nz/ or drop by their club rooms during one of their many meetings or social gatherings!