Welcome to AREC New Zealand

We are a volunteer organisation dedicated to keeping everyone connected during search and rescue operations, emergency responses, and community disasters.

Our skilled radio operators ensure vital information gets where it needs to go — keeping teams coordinated and communities safe.

We work alongside organisations such as Land Search and Rescue, NZ Police, Coastguard, Surf Life Saving, and Civil Defence.

Help us to keep Aotearoa safe by becoming a volunteer, or sponsoring us to support our vital work.

AREC.site
AREC’s legacy website and the technical information it contained is still available for a period of time at www.arec.site

Our Services

264

Events attended by AREC + 126 SAR events

47

AREC groups
nationwide

450

AREC volunteers

9

AREC partners

Latest News

Southland AREC

Tonight, we celebrate Southland AREC being recognized at the NZ Search and Rescue Awards. Brendon ZL4BDS was on hand to receive the certificate of achievement for the search for the

Wet day at Dip Flat

It has been very wet, and now a bit cool at Dip Flat for the Police National SAR Course. AREC – Amateur Radio Emergency Communications providing Comms support with Christchurch and

long standing AREC members being recognised

Years of radio communication have given one Balclutha man audio experiences for a lifetime. Balclutha local Cliff Gray recently received a life membership for his contribution to the South Otago’s

Keeping in touch when it counts

Great article recognising all ‘Hams’ who supported Tairawhiti – Gisborne, through the worst devastation the region had seen in decades. Ka mau te wehi! https://www.criticalcomms.com.au/content/public-safety/article/radio-amateurs-respond-to-cyclone-gabrielle-249881583

Join the adventure!

Join AREC as a volunteer

You will join a group and receive training to provide essential communications to support Search & Rescue, Disaster Response, and our community.

The sense of accomplishment helping locate a family's loved one cannot be beaten. As an AREC volunteer I enjoy the adventure, using and building my skillset, but most importantly the community I have become a part of. Daniel Erickson – AREC Group Leader

I joined AREC because I want to help my community. I enjoy building my technical skills and volunteering my time with a group of like-minded people. Terrance Shaw – AREC Volunteer

I have been an amateur radio enthusiast for a number of years and find that through AREC I can give back to the community. As an avid motor sport fan, I have been involved in supplying communications for car rallies, and events since 1983. Terry James – AREC Group Leader

Sponsors, Associates & Partners

Facebook

AREC - Amateur Radio Emergency Communications

2 days ago

Remember to have your radio's charged and emergency supplies ready 💛🔺 Red Warnings in force for dangerous northwest winds on Thursday 🔺

Get the most up to date information here:

Tuesday saw widespread severe gales with impacts through a number of regions but Thursday is forecast to be even more intense. Gusts of 150km/h are mentioned for Canterbury High Country.

Intense rain with thunderstorms are also on the cards for tomorrow.

Those in Red Warning areas should limit travel if possible, prepare for power outages and make sure that trampoline is tied down.

NZ Civil Defence HB Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Wellington Region Emergency Management Office Nelson Tasman Civil Defence West Coast Emergency Management Civil Defence Emergency Management Canterbury Otago Civil Defence and Emergency Management Emergency Management Southland NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi - Wellington NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi - Canterbury & West Coast NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi - Nelson, Tasman & Marlborough NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi - Otago & Southland Hawke's Bay Regional Council Wellington City Council Marlborough District Council Christchurch City Council Environment Canterbury Otago Regional Council Environment Southland Porirua City Council Hutt City Council Greater Wellington ... See MoreSee Less

Remember to have your radios charged and emergency supplies ready 💛

View on Facebook

AREC - Amateur Radio Emergency Communications

2 days ago

If you have ever wondered what a Search and Rescue exercise looks like- check out this great video by Auckland Emergency Management 🙌 ... See MoreSee Less

Operation Waitākere – Behind the Scenes

View on Facebook

AREC - Amateur Radio Emergency Communications

1 week ago

It's NZ Civil Defence Get Ready Week folks!
The name says it all, it's about getting ready incase of an emergency 👍

Have you ever thought about how you will communicate with your loved ones and your community, if you can't call, text, or jump on your internet apps?

It's a scary thought, but a very real reality in a major emergency.
The answer? Radio Comms. You can use a handheld radio when the phone lines and internet are down.

At AREC, we work alongside Civil Defence providing Radio Communications in emergency situations.

If you want to help your community to stay connected, join us as a volunteer.
... See MoreSee Less

View on Facebook

AREC - Amateur Radio Emergency Communications

2 weeks ago

Catch us later this week at the A&P Show in Gisborne 👀 it's the 150 year mark for this event, so it's going to be a goodie!

You can find us with Gisborne Land Search and Rescue 📍 ... See MoreSee Less

This content isn't available right now

When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.

View on Facebook