The New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters

14/08/2026

Ok folks I can officially announce I have been appointed NZART (New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters) Publicity Officer.
Its a none paid position.
Hopefully I can contribute to the spread of the hobby of Amateur Radio plus membership of the organisation. (NZART)

Chris Hattan ZL2CJ
Hamilton

13/08/2026

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS – COLOMBIA EARTHQUAKE



Following the earthquake in Colombia, the Colombian Amateur Radio League (LCR) has activated its emergency communications network.



LCR is using the following frequencies for emergency communications in Colombia:



80 m: 3985 kHz

40 m: 7060, 7240, and 7275 kHz

20 m: 14300 kHz

17 m: 18160 kHz

15 m: 21360 kHz



IARU Region 3 urges amateur radio operators throughout Region 3 to respect these frequencies and avoid causing interference whenever they are being used by the Colombian emergency communications network.



Operators are encouraged to monitor these frequencies where propagation permits and to give priority to emergency traffic should it be heard.



We thank all amateur radio operators for their cooperation and support during this emergency response.



Ageng Aditya, YB1BTM

Chair, IARU Region 3 Disaster Communication Committee

03/08/2026

The ZL sprint series gets underway tomorrow night Tuesday 4 August at 0800z (8pm NZST) and runs on every Tuesday in August.

It's 30min of CW followed by 30min of SSB and then 30min FT4 all on 80m. The exchange is outside temperature for the CW and SSB sections and grid locator for FT4. With the frigid weather forecast up and down ZL over the next few days I am looking forward to some negative temperatures being sent! Try to work as many stations as you can in any or all of the periods. Each mode is counted separately and you can work a station once per mode.

As well as individual glory there is an additional NZART branch competition. Simply send me your branch number with your log and the scores from each branch will be added together. Obviously the more points you gain the bigger the branch score. and a chance for branch bragging rights.

Logs must be sent to me within 24 hours of each week's sprint i.e. don't save them up and send me all four logs at the end.

Remember comments are just as important as the score so don't forget to send them with your log.

More fun than winning a Commonwealth Games Gold medal.

The rules are here and if you are a newbie it has a section at the end showing you how to make a contact.
73
Mark ZL3AB

29/07/2026

Just a reminder the ZL sprint series starts on Tuesday 4 August at 0800z (8pm NZST) and runs on every Tuesday in August.

It's 30min of CW followed by 30min of SSB and then 30min FT4 all on 80m. As well as individual glory there is an additional NZART branch competition. Simply send me your branch number with your log and the scores from each branch will be added together. Obviously the more points you gain the bigger the branch score. and a chance for club bragging rights.

Try to work as many stations as you can in any or all of the periods. Each mode is counted separately and you can work a station once per mode. The exchange is outside temperature for the CW and SSB sections and grid locator for FT4. With the negative temperatures up and down ZL at the moment it will be interesting to see operates outside!

Logs must be sent to me within 24 hours of each week's sprint i.e. don't save them up and send me all four logs at the end.

Remember to send me your comments on each sprint with your score. The best comments will be published with the results.

More fun than winning the British Open.

The rules are here: https://nzart.org.nz/activities/contests/sprints/ and if you are a newbie it has a section at the end showing you how to make a contact.

73
Mark ZL3AB

ZL Autumn and Winter Sprints Objects: For amateur radio stations to contact as many other amateur radio stations as possible within the 1.5 hour time limit To improve operator skills To have fun! Results ZL Sprints Results When: Each Tuesday in April and August:0800-0829 UTC (2000-2029 NZST) CW only...

28/06/2026

NZART Memorial Contest coming up this Saturday 4th July 8-11pm on 80m SSB and CW. Rules and tips here:

NZART Memorial Contest The NZART Memorial Contest has been held every year since 1946 to commemorate those New Zealand amateur radio operators who lost their lives in World War 2. The contest is held every year on the Saturday of the first weekend of July. After consultation with participants and th...

26/06/2026

IARU REGION 3 EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS ADVISORY

Protection of Emergency Frequency Following Major Earthquake in Venezuela

25 June 2026

To: IARU Region 3 Member Societies

IARU Region 3 has been informed by IARU Region 2 of a major earthquake that struck near the coast of Venezuela on 24 June 2026 at approximately 2204 UTC. Preliminary reports indicate significant damage in several areas, including the capital city of Caracas. Power outages and disruptions to normal communications infrastructure have been reported, resulting in increased reliance on amateur radio emergency communications networks.

According to information received from the Venezuelan Radio Club National Emergency Network and IARU Region 2 Emergency Communications Coordinator, Venezuelan radio amateurs have activated emergency communications operations on HF and digital modes to support ongoing response and coordination efforts.

In support of these emergency communications activities, IARU Region 3 respectfully requests all Member Societies to advise their members to avoid transmitting on, or causing interference to, the following emergency frequency whenever possible:

7.135 MHz (40-metre band)

This frequency is currently being utilized for emergency communications traffic related to the earthquake response in Venezuela.

Member Societies are encouraged to share this advisory through their national networks and emergency communications groups. Radio amateurs monitoring the frequency are requested to maintain good operating practice and give priority to emergency traffic.

IARU Region 3 extends its solidarity to the people of Venezuela and the amateur radio operators supporting emergency and disaster relief communications. We stand ready to support any requests for assistance coordinated through IARU Region 2.

Thank you for your cooperation.
73 de Ageng Aditya YB1BTM
IARU Region 3
Chairperson, Disaster Communication Community

13/05/2026

New Zealand's oldest amateur radio contest runs this Saturday 16th May for the 99th time. After a survey last year, a rule change to a one-night format is in place for 2026. This is to recognise the changes in operators availability and to modernise the contest to ensure it remains strong. The contest will take place on Saturday 16th May 2026 from 8pm NZST to 11pm NZST. The rules are here. https://nzart.org.nz/activities/contests/sangster-shield/

With 23 CW ops taking part in the recent Autumn Sprints, this is an opportunity to build on that. Think of it as 6 Sprints in a row! Or as Mark ZL3AB puts it, the Sangster ODI to the Sprints T20! 5W CW is plenty on 80m, see how many VKs you can work for double points!

The Sangster Shield Centenary is coming up in 2027, lets make 2026 a ripper!
Branch trophy: TONY FLETCHER (ZL2ALJ) MEMORIAL TROPHY. Top three entrants from each branch.

Any questions, contact me or Contest Manager Glenn ZL2KZ

73 and good luck in the contest,
Geoff ZL3GA

NZART Sangster Shield Presented to the amateurs of New Zealand by Ralph Sangster in 1927. It is NZART’s longest standing amateur contest. Ralph intended that the shield be awarded annually to the CW station obtaining the highest score in a low power contest. In this respect it should be pointed ou...

17/04/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1H8axVeY4D/

Contact upcoming with New Zealand!

Students at Diamond Harbour School in Christchurch will talk live with Jack Hathaway on the ISS via ham radio.

Scheduled for Monday 20 April at 09:51 UTC | 5:51 AM ET | 9:51 PM NZST via IK1SLD telebridge.

Listen in Europe on 145.800 MHz.

11/04/2026

11/04/2026

As Cyclone Vaianu continues to move south, it is forecast to bring extremely strong winds, heavy rain and large swells to large parts of New Zealand over the weekend.

This storm has the potential to be a significant and damaging event. We know this will be unwelcome news for communities that have recently been affected by severe weather and are still recovering.

More rain falling on ground that’s already saturated, means impacts like fallen trees, landslides, flooding and dangerous river conditions are more likely.

Please stay safe in severe weather. If life, health or property is in danger, call 111 immediately.

During a storm, stay inside. Don't walk around outside. Don't drive unless necessary. Strong winds can fell trees and poles, tear off roofs, and cause branches and debris to fly at high speed.

Put safety first. Don’t take any chances. Act quickly if you see rising water. Floods and flash floods can happen quickly. If you see rising water, do not wait for official warnings. Head for higher ground and stay away from floodwater.

Do not try to walk, play, swim, or drive in floodwater.

If you see a landslide, move out of its path and stay away from it. It is important to recognise the warning signs and act quickly.

When it is safe to do so, check on your neighbours and anyone who might need your help.

For advice on how to prepare for dangerous winds and severe weather visit GetReady.govt.nz

For local emergency updates, check your council's and Civil Defence Emergency Management Group’s websites and social media.