By Soren 1 January, 2010
Amateur Radio Emergency Communications (AREC)
formerly known as the Amateur Radio Emergency Corps
We have an active group of members who participate in AREC activities and other exercises.
Core Objectives
To achieve this mission, the organization focuses on several key pillars:
- Personnel: Training and providing competent radio communications personnel skilled in assisting organizations during emergencies.
- Partnership: Maintaining a close liaison with the New Zealand Police (for Search and Rescue), Civil Defence, and other community organizations.
- Infrastructure: Providing and maintaining suitable communication equipment and technology appropriate for emergency situations.
- Service: Deploying skilled volunteers 24/7 to establish and maintain vital communication links when regular networks fail or are unavailable.
Background and Purpose
AREC is the public service arm of the New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters (NZART). It was established in 1932 following the Napier earthquake, which proved that amateur radio operators were essential for maintaining contact when commercial systems were destroyed. Today, they operate as a national volunteer charity, supporting agencies like LandSAR, the Rescue Coordination Centre NZ, and the National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA).
Their unofficial motto or tagline often used in their branding is: “Connecting you in Crisis, Supporting you in Safety.”