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.
Connecting you in Crisis, Supporting you in Safety.
Our Services
Communications
AREC provides a range of communications services covering the provision of highly trained, experienced Volunteer radio operators delivering vital messaging services for search and rescue, civil emergencies and community events.
Training & Advice
We deliver high-quality education and advice to our partner organisations and community groups, so they are supported in building resilience and staying connected.
Infrastructure & Equipment
We ensure infrastructure and equipment are maintained and ready to go—so when disaster strikes, our communities can count on us to keep information flowing.
Volunteers
We have trained and equipped volunteers all around the country that attend Search and Rescue, disaster response and community events, providing expert radio communications support.
Latest News
Winlink install with Tairāwhiti Emergency Management
Take a look at how AREC and Tairāwhiti Emergency Management have worked together installing Winlink to support the local community in an emergency. https://www.tairawhitiem.govt.nz/news/2026/june/new-comms-option-for-tairawhiti
MTF Hastings donate to AREC Hawkes Bay Group
MTF Hastings recently ran a giveaway where they asked the community for nominations of a local charity, sports club, school, or community group, who could use the support. Hawkes Bay
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
Daniel Erickson – AREC Group Leader
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
Terrance Shaw – AREC Volunteer
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
Terry James – AREC Group Leader
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
90 Years of Service
During 1931 Amateur Radio operators provided communications links for the authorities during the aftermath of the Napier Earthquake. Following this and the need for communications for a Search in the
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