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.
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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
AREC attend Police SAREX in Pirongia village
Waikato AREC attended the annual Waikato Police District SAREX in Pirongia village over the 7th and 8th of March, alongside Land Search and Rescue. Held at Pirongia Rugby Club rooms,
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Through Wind and Rain: Radio Keeping Communities Connected
Flash flooding, heavy rain and multiple large landslips hit the New Zealand East Coast of the North Island in January 2026, leaving many residents cutoff, without power and the ability
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Major weather event exercise for North Otago
Our North Otago Group were recently invited to participate in an Otago Regional CDEM exercise, providing an opportunity to work alongside other emergency response professionals. The scenario in place was
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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