Eastern Bay of Plenty Branch 51 is the local  Amateur Radio Club - based in Whakatane, servicing the Eastern Bay of Plenty Area

The New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters (NZART) is the national membership organisation for amateur radio enthusiasts.

The association was first founded in 1926, held its first AGM in 1927 and produced its first magazine called Break-In in 1928.

The Association has been to dedicated to amateur radio since it started. It works to increase awareness and understanding of amateur radio and to make the hobby accessible to everyone.

Amateur radio licences were issued to the first New Zealand radio amateurs in 1922. NZART represents the interests of New Zealand licensed radio amateurs, both nationally (through RSM) and internationally (through its membership of IARU) and is a not-for-profit organisation (a registered charity) that:

Promotes the general advancement of the science and practice of radio communication or other relevant subjects.

Facilitates the exchange of information and ideas on these subjects among its members.

Aims to obtain the maximum liberty of action consistent with safeguarding the interests of all concerned.

Amateur Radio (ham radio) is a popular hobby and service that brings people, electronics and communication together.

People use ham radio to talk across town, around the world, or even into space, all without the Internet or cell phones.

It's fun, social, educational, and can be a lifeline during times of need.

NZART membership is open to all who have an interest in radio communications. Membership gives you a voice in how amateur radio is governed in the New Zealand and the opportunity to influence the direction and policy of the NZART. NZART is a membership-focused organisation. The national governing body (Executive Council) is elected nationally every two years. The day-to-day management of the association is under the control of a of our part-time employee, who is also the General Secretary/Business Manager who is based at the association head office in Upper Hutt.

You can find out about joining the NZART here.

Contacts for the Local Branch are here.

Our Face Book Page 

Our members are actively involved in AREC - (Amateur Radio Emergency Communications) 

‘‘Providing skilled volunteers, enabling essential communications to support Search & Rescue, Disaster relief and our community.’’

Who do we work with?

Our professional volunteers offer their specialist communications and technical skills free to the public in support of the search and rescue sector, civil defence, and other emergency services. This service runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via the New Zealand Police, the Rescue Coordination Centre, and other lead agencies such as NEMA/CD and FENZ. AREC also provides communication and technical support to community and sporting events.

You can find out more about AREC here.