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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    Our Services


    Training and advice

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    We provide 

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    Our Services

    Training & Advice

    AREC delivers high quality education, training and assessment of AREC volunteers and other partner organizations. Our volunteers deliver advice and guidance utilizing their extensive technical and operational knowledge.

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    Infrastructure & Equipment

    AREC endeavours to provide and maintain suitable radio and communications technology equipment and infrastructure to enable our volunteers to provide a highly capable and responsive emergency communication service.

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    Volunteers

    AREC’s 450 fully equipped Volunteers provide communications services for civil emergencies, search and rescue and community events.

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    264

    Events attended by AREC + 126 SAR events

    47

    AREC groups
    nationwide

    450

    AREC volunteers

    9

    AREC partners

    Latest News

    Southland AREC

    Tonight, we celebrate Southland AREC being recognized at the NZ Search and Rescue Awards. Brendon ZL4BDS was on hand to receive the certificate of achievement for the search for the
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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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    long standing AREC members being recognised

    Years of radio communication have given one Balclutha man audio experiences for a lifetime. Balclutha local Cliff Gray recently received a life membership for his contribution to the South Otago’s
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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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    Join the adventure!

    Join AREC as a volunteer

    You will join a group and receive training to provide essential communications to support Search & Rescue, Disaster Response, and our community.

    Join Now!
    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

    Sponsors, Associates & Partners

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    AREC - Amateur Radio Emergency Communications

    2 weeks ago

    AREC - Amateur Radio Emergency Communications
    With the North Island currently experiencing a severe weather event effecting Northland, Auckland, The Coromandel, Bay of Plenty, and Gisborne north of Tolaga Bay, AREC are actively assisting CDEM local groups in Gisborne, and efforts may expand as the storms impact becomes clearer. We are setting up an HF watch to help connect people in the community as needed. Big thanks to our volunteers helping out 💛 ... See MoreSee Less

    Red Heavy Rain Warnings - Severe Weather Update Wed 21 Jan 2026

    youtu.be

    - Red Heavy Rain Warnings have been issued for Northland, the Coromandel, the Bay of Plenty and northern Tairāwhiti as rain continues to move across the reg...

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    AREC - Amateur Radio Emergency Communications

    4 weeks ago

    AREC - Amateur Radio Emergency Communications
    An almighty effort is taking place to find this young man - our North Otago and Dunedin volunteers are supporting with comms - wishing everyone involved the absolute best outcome💛 ... See MoreSee Less

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    AREC - Amateur Radio Emergency Communications

    4 weeks ago

    AREC - Amateur Radio Emergency Communications
    Thanks for the spotlight on our Southland Group Southland District Council 🫶 ... See MoreSee Less
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    AREC - Amateur Radio Emergency Communications

    4 weeks ago

    AREC - Amateur Radio Emergency Communications
    Volunteers are the quiet force behind so much good in our communities - here's an example of that 🛶A sliver of cell phone reception led to the rescue of three young men, after they endured a cold and wet night stranded in a gorge. Wellington District Search and Rescue coordinator Sergeant Jonathan Westrupp says the trio intended to float down the Hutt River in the Kaitoke Regional Park, but their planning was flawed.“They set off late in the day on Monday to traverse the river on inner tubes but were wearing only light clothing and soon found themselves in a dangerous situation with darkness descending and impassible cliffs on both sides of the river. “They happened to be able to get a glimmer of cell phone reception and called for assistance about 7.30pm.”Sergeant Westrupp says Police coordinated a search and rescue operation to rescue them as the weather worsened.“A New Zealand Defence Force NH90 helicopter was sent, but it couldn’t get to them due to low cloud and rain setting in. “Land Search and Rescue and Police reached the three men about three in the morning and provided them with shelter, clothing and food. At first light, with the aid of Wellington Rafting, we were able to get them out of there.”Sergeant Westrupp says the men were grateful to see rescuers, but it was an uncomfortably close call.“They were on the verge of not being able to contact anyone. If they hadn’t managed to find a scrap of cell phone coverage in the gorge it could have been a very different Christmas for them and their families.”“If you’re going out on an excursion in the bush, or adventuring on rivers like these guys, you need to be prepared for any eventuality. PLBs are cheap to hire, and they’re capable of saving your life, even when there’s no cell phone reception.” ... See MoreSee Less

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