Invitation to Digital Modes Talk at Branch 18

Rather than have our own Branch 50 NZART BBQ this year, the committee decided to join with Branch 74 (Wellington VHF Group) and Branch 69 (Kapiti Branch) at their Combined Branches BBQ. The Combined BBQ was held at QE2 Park, Paekakariki on Sat 29th Jan from 1200pm onwards. Mike ZL1AXG and Frank ZL2TTS attended the BBQ. There were 14 amateurs and XYLs in attendance.

On 1 March from 12 noon -3pm we met over a light lunch at Mike ZL1AXG's QTH. The Branch 50 NZART Committee ordered in a light finger-food lunch (savouries and sandwiches) as we were hosting Branch 74 for a combined branches event. Disappointingly, only two guests showed up ... they were our guest speaker for the workshop, and one Branch 74 member! Mike noted that the year had not got off to a good start with few turning up for the combined branches BBQ organised by Kapiti Branch. It appears many amateurs simply don't want to come out any more to events. However, complacency may well spell the end of amateur radio as we know it. Member attendances at most branches appear to be plummeting, even those that still have 100+ members on their books. Things are getting tougher for ham radio, with suburban QRM often sending the meter over s9 on the low bands, the sunspot cycle likely to be at its worst for some years, and Councils getting tougher in their district plans on amateur antennas (see the recent decision by Kapiti District Council). It is likely that something radical will be required to breathe new life into…

Branch 50 NZART participated in the Wellington Maker Faire on 4 November. Some 2500 people passed through the Maker Faire on Sunday 4 November from 10am to 4pm. John ZL2XJ and Bernard ZL2BD with the Branch 50 display at the Maker Faire NZART Inc took an outside area, immediately in front of the entrance to the TSB Arena on Queen's Wharf, to showcase amateur radio. Two local clubs (Branch 50 and Branch 63) were supported by two NZART councillors in promoting amateur radio. Some of the larger team at the Maker Faire 2018 Chatting about the gear ... And making contacts from inside the tent ... A large number of people came by and chatted, including a number of amateur operators. Nineteen contacts will be followed up - primarily people showing an interest in amateur radio or operators who are interested in becoming active again. They will all be put in touch with NZART and their local branch. Those on the stand felt it was successful, and we won a prize for the best presented stand.