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

It's International Volunteer Day! 👭👬👫👬👭

Can you imagine how many organisations around the world would cease to exist without their volunteers?

Vollies are among those with the biggest hearts in the world 💛

They sacrifice their time and energy, for the good of others, and we are super proud of ours, that's for sure!

Go on and tag a volunteer who deserves a bit of love for #IVDay2025 👇🥰

Volunteering New Zealand ... See MoreSee Less

Its International Vo

View on Facebook

AREC - Amateur Radio Emergency Communications

We’ve been busy connecting with our partner organisations over the past couple of months - grateful for the organisations we get to work alongside every day 🤝

Thank you to everyone who’s welcomed us in and shared their time 💛

📸Our Gisborne Group Leader Scott with the team at the Tairāwhiti Emergency Management Office @Tairāwhiti Civil Defence

📸Our Tauranga Group Leader Joanne & North Island Regional Manager Steve at the Tauranga Police station for a multi-agency meeting with SAR Operations Manager SGT. Anna Plowman and BOP DSARAC Aimee Dawson

📸Some of our volunteers at an AREC Training weekend in Auckland, joined by Police, Auckland Emergency Management (AEM) and Coastguard
@Coastguard New Zealand @Auckland Emergency Management

#EmergencyPreparedness #emergencycommunications #emergencyresponse #radiocommunication #emergency ... See MoreSee Less

We’ve been busy co

Image attachment

Image attachment

View on Facebook

AREC - Amateur Radio Emergency Communications

Christmas came early for our Hawkes Bay AREC Group 🎄
The fantastic Hastings MTF Finance team donated money to AREC Hawkes Bay 👏
Big thanks for those that supported the nomination! 🥰 FanssWe recently asked our customers to nominate a local charity, sports club, school, or community group they thought deserved a little extra support.

We loved reading through all the nominations and seeing the amazing work happening right here in our community. We’re excited to share that HB Amateur Radio has been chosen to receive our $300 donation!

The team at HB Amateur Radio provide an incredible volunteer service - helping keep our community connected and supported during emergencies and local events.

“We support Police, Land Search and Rescue and Emergency Management by providing operators as needed. AREC train formally twice a month and do radio checks for Emergency Management weekly as well as assisting our partner organisations with their training and events as required. Any funds received are put towards easing the commitment our volunteers give." John, Group Leader at HB Amateur Radio.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate and help us give back 💛 ... See MoreSee Less

Christmas came early

View on Facebook

AREC - Amateur Radio Emergency Communications is at Silverstream Retreat.

A big welcome to everyone taking part in the pilot AREC Response Leader Workshop this weekend. ... See MoreSee Less

A big welcome to eve

Image attachment

View on Facebook