AREC’s volunteer radio operators have a modern dispatch system behind them – and Vetta Group is covering the connectivity that keeps it running.

Frequent severe weather events across New Zealand have shown how much communities depend on volunteer responders – and on the radio networks they rely on. Amateur Radio Emergency Communications (AREC), the volunteer-run charity that provides emergency communications for Search and Rescue and Civil Defence, has now modernised that network with a system called Crosswire. Vetta Group is sponsoring the internet connectivity that keeps it online for Auckland and the neighboring districts.

AREC is the public service arm of the New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters (NZART) – a registered charity of around 450 volunteers across 43 groups nationwide.

Crosswire is a computer-based radio dispatch system that gives operators far more capability than a standard two-way radio. It acts as a central communications hub, allowing operators to talk to individual users or groups, monitor the location of GPS-equipped radios on a live map, send text messages, record radio traffic, and use remote radio stations far away from their operations centre.

By bringing voice communications, mapping, and messaging together in one easy-to-use interface, Crosswire improves situational awareness and helps AREC coordinate its people and equipment more effectively. It is widely used by emergency services, utilities, transport operators, and other organisations that rely on reliable radio communications to keep their people connected and safe.

For AREC’s volunteers, the practical gain is coordination. In a large, multi-team response – the scale of Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 – knowing where every team is, and being able to reach the right one instantly, is the difference between a well-run operation and a disjointed response. The Crosswire system receives GPS positions from rescue teams’ handheld radios, providing real-time location data for each team member.

This allows coordination teams to track the precise movements of rescue personnel in the field, improving situational awareness during emergency operations.

Murray Freeth-Edwards, a North Shore AREC volunteer and a key driver of the rollout, says the system is about getting the right information to the right people.

“Behind every successful Search and Rescue or Civil Defence operation is clear communication. Crosswire helps ensure the right message reaches the right people, at the right time.

“When volunteers are equipped with the right tools, communities are better protected. Crosswire helps AREC deliver reliable communications when they matter most, enabling emergency services to focus on saving lives.”

Crosswire needs an internet connection to work. For a volunteer-run charity, that is an ongoing cost – and it is the one which Vetta Group has taken on, sponsoring the connectivity that keeps the system online.

Shaun Fisher, Founder & Operations Manager at Vetta Group, says emergency response increasingly depends on a working internet connection.

“When the weather turns and the power goes out, the people who turn up are volunteers – and they can only do their job if they can talk to each other. Communication is the first thing a response needs, and often the first thing to go.

“Covering AREC’s internet connection is a small thing for us and a significant one for them. Vetta is a New Zealand business built on keeping communities connected, so getting behind the volunteers who do exactly that when it matters most was an easy decision.”

AREC CEO John Murphy says the support makes a practical difference to a volunteer organisation.

“The success of the AREC Crosswire initiative has been made possible through the generous support of Vetta Group, who have kindly sponsored the internet connectivity that keeps the system online and available.

“Their contribution provides a reliable connection that enables Crosswire to support Search and Rescue and Civil Defence operations across New Zealand.

“As a volunteer-based charitable organisation, support like this makes a genuine difference. We are sincerely grateful to Vetta Group for their commitment to our mission and for helping us enhance the services our volunteers deliver to the communities we serve.”

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Methven-based volunteer Jim Nelson, received some well-deserved recognition at the 2026 NZ Search and Rescue Awards, for his contributions to the Search and Rescue sector.

The long-term volunteer who has supported both Methven Land Search and Rescue, and AREC for over 25 years was presented with a Certificate of Achievement by The Hon James Meager, Associate Minister of Transport, at Parliament House on Tuesday 23rd June.

Pictured: Jim Nelson (left) receiving his award from The Hon James Meager, Associate Minister of Transport. photo credit: MARTY MELVILLE PHOTOGRAPHY

AREC Technology Lead Steve Davis says those who know Jim are proud to see him recognised for his volunteer work.

“Over the years Jim has consistently responded to call-outs, and goes above and beyond to make sure the work gets done. His mahi behind the scenes, maintaining equipment and supporting with training is greatly appreciated”.

Jim supported AREC for many years as a Group Leader for Ashburton, and was previously active with Christchurch and North Canterbury Groups. As well as volunteering for countless Search and Rescue operations, Jim has also assisted with communications for car rallies and jet boating, the Coast to Coast sporting event, and the Police SAR qualifications course at Dip Flat.

Lindsey Ross, South Island Regional Manager for AREC speaks highly of Jim and his incredible contribution to the region.

“He’s just a real salt-of-the-earth kind of guy, and his commitment to volunteering is second to none”.

AREC volunteers and staff receiving the Volunteer Service award: L-R Duncan Tabor, Paul Rennie, Murray Milner, Soren Low, Lindsey Ross, Daniel Erickson, Joanne Watson, Andy Brill, John Newson, John Murphy, Pete Ritchie, Annalise Mokalei-Smith, Steve Main. photo credit: MARTY MELVILLE PHOTOGRAPHY

With International Volunteer Year being celebrated in 2026 for the first time in 25 years, event attendance was opened up to more volunteers within National Government Organisations, including Land Search and Rescue New Zealand, Coastguard and Surf Life Saving. Representatives from each organisation were presented with a Volunteer Service Award to recognise their contributions.

AREC volunteers attended the annual Police SAR Qualifications course at Dip Flat, providing communications for the Search and Rescue exercise component.

Dip Flat is a remote military camp operated by the Royal New Zealand Air Force, located in the Marlborough region. The camp is situated on an open river flat along the Wairau River, surrounded by dense native forest and rugged mountains.

It has been utilised as a practical testing ground for new military recruits for over 60 years. AREC have supported NZ Police with the SAR component of the exercise since 2017, undertaking activities including the setup of antenna systems for HF and VHF, creating the comms plan for where to deploy the portable VHF repeaters, operating the radios and logging messages in SARTrack.

The team have also assisted in the past with the IMT part of the exercise, providing comms planning and operating SARTrack.

This year, we were there to help as six teams ventured out into the field to look for three ‘missing’ people who had been out for 3 days. On arrival the AREC vehicle was put into action with the team erecting a simplex antenna and entering the Police “students” into SARTrack – putting them into teams with the tracking radios.

The teams were either transported via vehicle, the Defence Force Mog, a Police 4WD or the RNZAF NH90 helicopter. Repeaters were set up by the students using the NH90. The team had two VHF repeaters and a VHF link repeater.

Some of the challenges for the exercise included RF shadowing due to the terrain, limited repeater access locations and marginal RF paths in some areas. The team used a hybrid communications model, which included the use of Radio (VHF/HF), Starlink for digital connectivity and coordination, and SARTrack for operational intelligence.

This fully off-grid solution supported Police in a high-complexity SAR environment, enabling a successful outcome for searchers who found the missing people on day three.

The exercise was designed to assess the group’s readiness to support search and rescue incidents in remote environments, where vehicle-based communications assets are unavailable. It also provided an opportunity to work at establishing fully portable radio communications systems, in non-equipped locations using:

• Battery-powered systems
• Temporary antennas
• Field-deployed communications infrastructure

The exercise scenario simulated a missing tramper incident where the group had been tasked with deploying a field communications team in support of search and rescue operations. Upon arrival, the team established a field communications base and deployed operational equipment including:

• Tait base radio
• Portable VHF repeater
• HF communications
• Portable antenna infrastructure
• Battery-powered field communications equipment

HF communications were established successfully, and comprehensive communications checks were conducted with mainland repeaters and the group’s designated Home Base operator. These communications included regular operational situation reports and welfare checks.

The exercise also included testing of contingency and fallback communications plans in the event of repeater failure, allowing operators to practice switching between primary and alternate communications methods under realistic field conditions.

While operating on Ulva Island, and throughout the remainder of the day, the group provided search and rescue base communications support to the Rakiura Land Search and Rescue team, who were simultaneously conducting refresher training exercises in Oban.

Whilst on the island, the group also visited the Police Station, the Health Clinic, the Land Search and Rescue base and the fire station, providing valuable opportunities to strengthen relationships with agencies that AREC may work alongside locally should the need arise in the future.

The exercise provided insight into possible equipment limitations and future training opportunities, through the testing of operational procedures, message handling, radio discipline, and deployment coordination.

The group came away with strengthened relationships with local stakeholders, improved familiarity with community infrastructure, and key knowledge on potential emergency operating locations on the island.