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

3 days 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

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AREC - Amateur Radio Emergency Communications

4 days 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

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AREC - Amateur Radio Emergency Communications

4 days ago

Pleasure to join in on the action at the Harris Trophy competition over the weekend 💛A message from our friends at Land Search & Rescue New Zealand:

This Saturday, 11th October, will see Land Search & Rescue volunteers from around Canterbury and Clutha putting their skills to the test in the region’s annual Land Search & Rescue ‘Harris Trophy’ competition. This event brings together volunteers and supporters from across the community, celebrating the teamwork, commitment, and skills that go into search and rescue efforts.

The 2025 edition is being held on Otamahua/Quail Island in Lyttelton Harbour. Although not a common area for Land Search & Rescue to train or rescue people from, the unique location provides an opportunity to highlight the history of the island and to challenge volunteers in both land and shoreline search scenarios.
Teams are judged on team work, leadership, search skills and rescue techniques, as well as some mystery activities. There is an overall winner, plus trophies for the team with the best communication (using radios) and navigation.

Alongside Land Search & Rescue will be Coastguard Canterbury, as well as the local branch of AREC - Amateur Radio Emergency Communications.

The island will still be open to public to visit, and we encourage people to come across and see what the teams will be challenged to do. ... See MoreSee Less

Pleasure to join in on the action at the Harris Trophy competition over the weekend 💛

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AREC - Amateur Radio Emergency Communications

2 weeks ago

It's a good day to get on your reo irirangi (radio) for Mental Health Awareness Week #MHAWNZ 👂

The theme for Monday is 'Connect' - we know a little bit about that don't we hams!? 🙂It’s Mental Health Awareness Week, and we’re encouraging you to Top Up Together as you bring the Five Ways to Wellbeing into your daily life. Connect / Me Whakawhanaunga is the Top Up Together theme for Rāhina (Monday).

Social connection is the ngākau/heart of our wellbeing. It weaves us together, making us feel seen, heard, and understood. When we nurture meaningful connections with others, we uplift our own well-being.

Show us how you’re topping up together today by using the #MHAWNZ hashtag and be in to win a $200 Prezzy card 💸! Terms and conditions apply. Tap the link 🔗 in our bio to find inspiration on how you can connect today. ... See MoreSee Less

Its a good day to get on your reo irirangi (radio) for Mental Health Awareness Week #MHAWNZ 👂

The theme for Monday is Connect - we know a little bit about that dont we hams!? 🙂

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