Join Amateur Radio Emergency Communications

Through Amateur Radio Emergency Communications (AREC), volunteers put their skills, enthusiasm and interest in communications to practical use — supporting communities, events and emergency response when dependable communications matter.

Whether you're already an experienced radio operator or completely new to emergency communications, AREC provides opportunities to learn, get hands-on and make a real contribution.

What is AREC?

AREC is a nationwide organisation of trained volunteers who provide communications support when normal communications are unavailable, overloaded, or when additional communications resources are needed.

AREC teams support New Zealand Police, Land Search and Rescue, Civil Defence Emergency Management, and other emergency and community organisations.

That can mean establishing communications in remote areas, operating radio networks during search and rescue operations, deploying portable communications equipment, supporting emergency operations centres, or providing communications for community events and exercises.

More Than Talking on a Radio

Being part of AREC isn't simply about knowing how to use a microphone.

Modern emergency communications can involve VHF and UHF radio systems, portable repeaters, antennas, networking, message handling, field equipment and communications planning.

If you're interested in radio, electronics, networking, technology or problem-solving, there are plenty of opportunities to put those interests to practical use.

You'll also work alongside people with a wide range of experience and have opportunities to learn skills that are difficult to gain in an everyday environment.

You Don't Need to Be an Expert

Nobody joins AREC knowing everything.

Training is a major part of being involved. You'll have opportunities to learn how emergency communications networks operate, practise radio procedures, use field equipment and participate in exercises designed to simulate real deployments.

Experienced members work alongside newer members, allowing you to build your knowledge and confidence over time.

You don't need an amateur radio licence to join AREC. If you're completely new to radio and communications, that's okay — we'll help you learn.

Get Out in the Field

Depending on the activity, you might find yourself setting up a portable station, establishing communications somewhere with little or no cellphone coverage, operating from a communications vehicle, helping run a radio network during an exercise, or supporting a real operation.

AREC also assists with community events and planned activities. These provide valuable opportunities for members to practise their skills, work together and test equipment before it's needed for something more serious.

Why Get Involved?

AREC is an opportunity to learn new skills, gain practical experience and use your interests to help your community.

You'll have opportunities to:

• Gain practical communications experience

• Learn emergency and field operating procedures

• Work with different radio and communications equipment

• Participate in training exercises and operational deployments

• Develop technical and problem-solving skills

• Learn from experienced AREC and amateur radio operators

• Meet people with similar interests

• Help support your local community

There's plenty for people who enjoy the technical side too. Antennas, propagation, digital radio, networking, equipment installation and troubleshooting all have a place in modern emergency communications.

You don't have to be technically minded, though. A successful communications team needs people with a range of abilities, and AREC provides training to help you find where your skills fit.

When those skills are genuinely needed, you'll be part of a trained team capable of putting them to use.

Who Can Get Involved?

You don't need to be an amateur radio operator or work for an emergency service to join AREC.

Our members come from all sorts of backgrounds and bring different skills, experience and interests to the team. Some are experienced amateur radio operators, while others join with an interest in communications, technology, emergency management or simply wanting to help their community.

You don't need to arrive with years of radio experience either. Training and development are a big part of AREC, and you'll have opportunities to learn the skills you need while working alongside experienced members.

Whether you're a licensed amateur, interested in radio and technology, or completely new to emergency communications, we'd encourage you to get in touch.

Enthusiasm, a willingness to learn and wanting to help are what matter.

Interested in Joining Us?

If you're an NSRC member or you're based in the Auckland area and would like to learn more about AREC, we'd love to hear from you.

You don't need an amateur radio licence, and you don't have to commit to anything just to find out more. Get in touch, have a chat and see whether AREC is something you'd enjoy being involved with.

Contact

Kieran Robottom — ZL1GER
AREC Group Leader & Auckland Training Officer

📧 glnthshore@arec.nz

Or come and have a chat with us at a North Shore Radio Club meeting.

Ready to Get Involved?

Learn new skills. Get hands-on experience. Help your community.