Southland AREC

10/05/2026

AREC Southland recently completed a highly successful Stewart Island / Rakiura Communications Exercise, made possible through funding support from AREC - Amateur Radio Emergency Communications.

Over the weekend our team deployed portable communications systems into remote off-grid environments, established field radio networks on Ulva Island / Te Wharawhara, tested repeaters, HF, MeshCore connectivity back to the mainland, and supported Rakiura LandSAR with real operational-style radio traffic during their refresher training.

The exercise provided valuable hands-on experience in remote communications, message handling, teamwork, leadership, and emergency deployment logistics, all while strengthening relationships with local agencies and the Stewart Island community.

A huge thank you to RealNZ, Southern District Police, Southland District Council, Rakiura Charters & Water Taxi - Stewart Island and everyone who supported the exercise.

A fantastic weekend of learning, training, teamwork and radio in one of New Zealand’s most unique environments.

07/03/2026

This weekend an AREC training exercise was conducted to practice communications support in a simulated search and rescue environment. The exercise focused on deploying equipment, establishing reliable communications, and reinforcing operational procedures under realistic conditions.

The team began by setting up the communications vehicle, ensuring radios, antennas, power systems, and operating positions were ready for use. This provided a central communications hub for the exercise.

Operators were introduced to and practiced using the SARTrack software, focusing on how it supports coordination during search operations by tracking teams, managing tasks, and maintaining situational awareness.

A portable repeater was also deployed and configured to extend radio coverage in the exercise area. This demonstrated how repeaters can be used to overcome terrain limitations and improve communications between field teams and command.

HF communications were established on 5680 kHz and 3023 kHz, allowing participants to practice long-range communications and understand how HF can provide resilience when VHF/UHF infrastructure is limited or unavailable.

The exercise also included developing and implementing a PACE communications plan (Primary, Alternate, Contingency, Emergency). Participants discussed redundancy and the importance of having multiple communications pathways available if primary systems fail.

Additional training covered message handling procedures, ensuring information was passed accurately and clearly between operators and command. Emphasis was placed on maintaining proper logging and radio discipline.

Leadership skills were also practiced, with participants making operational decisions under simulated disruptions such as equipment failures and communications challenges. This helped reinforce teamwork, adaptability, and effective decision-making in a dynamic environment.

Overall, the exercise provided valuable hands-on experience with AREC communications equipment and procedures, strengthening the team’s readiness to support future search and rescue operations.

26/01/2026

RNZ interviews Warren Harris ZL2AJ about amateur radio!

After two on a Monday means it's time to hit the clubs! Jesse has chatted to the Hawkes Bay Racing Lawnmower Club ... the Christchurch Quilters... Manawatu Cactus and Succulent Society among others. If you have a club you'd like Jesse to join for the day, please get in touch .. we'd love to hear fro...

04/01/2026

Kudos to the Southland AREC team! 🌟 Your tireless efforts keep our community safe and connected. Thanks for your service! 🙌

21/09/2025

We're saddened to share the news of Neville Checketts ZL4OX's passing. Neville left us yesterday at 11am at Southland Hospital, surrounded by the echoes of a remarkable life dedicated to amateur radio and community.

Neville's journey with Branch 37 began in 1957, back when he was still at intermediate school – what an early start to a lifelong passion! He was part of memorable moments like the annual SAREX at Mid Dome, operating CW on 3900KHz with an ARC-5 transmitter and a ZC1 on 5680KHz – showcasing his early skills in AREC. Neville played a pivotal role in nurturing newcomers: he helped start beginners' classes in 1969 at the clubrooms on Thursday nights, continued tutoring at Southland Polytechnic from 1981, and saw the circle complete when classes returned to the new clubrooms in 1991. His leadership was outstanding – Neville stepped into the role of AREC Section Leader in December 1973 following Alan Frame's passing, serving until 2012. He was instrumental in big projects like securing a new communications van (on the road by November 1974) and championing the club's new home – presenting a proposal in 1989, chairing the building committee, and celebrating the official opening on 27 July 1991. Radio classes there helped bring a steady stream of new members. Neville was deeply valued by the community: he was awarded Life Membership of the Southland Branch and served in various roles, including as a Councillor for NZART in 1976. His legacy is one of dedication, friendship, and growing the amateur radio spirit in Southland.

Our thoughts are with Neville's family and friends. He'll be remembered fondly by many for his contributions and warm involvement in the amateur radio community.