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

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

An almighty effort is taking place to find this young man - our North Otago and Dunedin volunteers are supporting with comms - wishing everyone involved the absolute best outcome💛 ... See MoreSee Less

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AREC - Amateur Radio Emergency Communications

Thanks for the spotlight on our Southland Group Southland District Council 🫶 ... See MoreSee Less

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AREC - Amateur Radio Emergency Communications

Volunteers are the quiet force behind so much good in our communities - here's an example of that 🛶A sliver of cell phone reception led to the rescue of three young men, after they endured a cold and wet night stranded in a gorge.

Wellington District Search and Rescue coordinator Sergeant Jonathan Westrupp says the trio intended to float down the Hutt River in the Kaitoke Regional Park, but their planning was flawed.

“They set off late in the day on Monday to traverse the river on inner tubes but were wearing only light clothing and soon found themselves in a dangerous situation with darkness descending and impassible cliffs on both sides of the river.

“They happened to be able to get a glimmer of cell phone reception and called for assistance about 7.30pm.”

Sergeant Westrupp says Police coordinated a search and rescue operation to rescue them as the weather worsened.

“A New Zealand Defence Force NH90 helicopter was sent, but it couldn’t get to them due to low cloud and rain setting in.

“Land Search and Rescue and Police reached the three men about three in the morning and provided them with shelter, clothing and food. At first light, with the aid of Wellington Rafting, we were able to get them out of there.”

Sergeant Westrupp says the men were grateful to see rescuers, but it was an uncomfortably close call.

“They were on the verge of not being able to contact anyone. If they hadn’t managed to find a scrap of cell phone coverage in the gorge it could have been a very different Christmas for them and their families.”

“If you’re going out on an excursion in the bush, or adventuring on rivers like these guys, you need to be prepared for any eventuality. PLBs are cheap to hire, and they’re capable of saving your life, even when there’s no cell phone reception.” ... See MoreSee Less

Volunteers are the q

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AREC - Amateur Radio Emergency Communications

Switching frequencies..moving to..pavlova mode 🥝

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and New Year - of course we will be here if you need us 💛 ... See MoreSee Less

Switching frequencie

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