The tireless support of our volunteers makes our work possible. There are several ways you can get involved at AREC, with a range of different volunteer roles you can take on.

    We have both operational and non-operational volunteers, and our people come from all walks of life. 

    Whether you are on the ground providing comms for a search and rescue operation, or working in the background completing technical or leadership tasks – you’ll play an important role supporting people in distress and your community.

    What's in it for you?

    • Training and practical learning
    • Make a difference in your community
    • Connect with like-minded people
    • Member only discounts
    Join Us

    What do you need to join AREC?

    You don’t need to have any specific experience to join AREC, we welcome people of all backgrounds and walks of life. 

    All licensed amateurs need to hold a financial membership with NZART.

    Simply send an application through the link below, and our administration team will be in contact. 

    Join Now

    Our Roles

    Communicator / Radio Operator

     
    • Operate radios at incident management base.
    • Operate radios at staging forward base.
    • Operate radios at home base.
    • Operate radios out in the field

    Training Tutor

    • Create and deliver AREC training courses.

    Radio Technician

    • Maintain repeater and network infrastructure.
    • Provide technical support and advice.

    IT Technician

    • Support AREC IT needs.
    • Provide IT support to LandSAR groups.
    • Support SARTrack SAR management software.

    Radio Programmer

    • Manage channel plans in compliance with RSM Regulations.
    • Program radios.
    • Provide programming support.

    Group Leader

    • Lead and manage your local AREC Group.
    • Liaise with emergency services such as Police, St John Ambulance, Red Cross, Civil Defence and Search and Rescue at the local level.

    Comms Unit Leader

    • Lead the comms team at an incident.
    • Create the comms plans.
    • Create and manage the roster of operators.

    Event Response Leader

    • Take command and management of AREC events.
    • Liaison with event organizers
    • Ensure compliance with AREC Operational Deployment and Command Policy.

    47 Groups

    We have 47 local groups across New Zealand.

    Take a look at our map to find your nearest group.

    View Map
    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

    Become a member of AREC today!
    As a member of AREC, you enjoy local and national training, the opportunity to participate in SAR exercises and search operations and take part in meetings in your local district with like-minded people.

    Join Now