Serving our community since 1932
Here are some highlights from our story.
3 February 1931
After the devastating earthquake in Napier, Amateur Radio operators provided essential communications between Napier and Wellington. Comms: Morse code and AM (Amplitude Modulation).
February 1932
REC was formally constituted. By the end of this month, nine districts had established REC sections.
June 1932
The Post & Telegraph department officially recognised REC and allocated an exclusive frequency band 2.85 to 3.00 MHz.
October 1932
The first official call-out. REC Wellington assisted in the search for a crashed aircraft at Tawa Flat.
1948
First major operation with Land Search & Rescue (SAR) at Mt Ruapehu (Kaka).
1949
REC added the word 'Amateur' to its name.
1950
AREC starts providing communications advice and assistance to local Civil Defence.
1970
The first AREC communications vehicle was constructed by Southland AREC.
1988
AREC has 75 sections covering the whole of NZ.
Feb 2002
AREC was awarded the National SAR Award for their long commitment to Search and Rescue in New Zealand, but also for assistance with Marine and Class 3 searches.
June 2009
The NZART AREC Emergency Funds Trust obtained charitable status.
February 2011
AREC provided comms after the 7.1 magnitude Christchurch earthquake, for 12 days. At its peak the team was managing and controlling over 150 radios in the field.
August 2011
Development of an all-digital radio network across New Zealand. Wide area linking of the DMR network occurs via direct microwave at 5.8 GHz or via telco-provided internet (cable, fibre, and cellular wireless).