WARO NEWS JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2000

Hi All,

Here we are already into the year 2000 with great expectations for the new millenium. Thank goodness we did not have any Y2K bugs to contend with. The dawning of the year 2000 was pretty exciting for us in New Zealand, as we were able to watch the dawn of the year 2000 on TV, from many countries throughout the world.

The first two months of the year have been very interesting for me on the amateur radio scene. I am now the proud owner of a 4 element Tri - Band beam which my OM and son (who was home on holiday from UK) were able to erect without any major incidents. I have certainly had a great time on all bands with great results. One thing that I have found during my time cruising around the HF Bands is the real lack of YL operators.

We here in New Zealand have been really fortunate having the Americas Cup racing held in the beautiful Hauraki Gulf off Auckland. This has created a great interest in New Zealand by many countries throughout the world. Congratulations to the New Zealanders who sailed so well to retain the Americas Cup, here in New Zealand. I do know that quite a few of our WARO members are quite keen yachties who have taken a keen interest in this event.

The planning for the International YL 2000 which is being held in Hamilton on 29th September to 1st October is coming along really well. There is great interest being shown in this prestigious event from over 14 countries throughout the world. Twenty members from DARC Germany have planned a two week tour of New Zealand which will incorporate the YL 2000. There are also around 26 YL/OMs coming from Korea. Gwen VK3DYL and around 15 YLs from many countries have planned a DXpedition to Norfolk Island to take place after the YL 2000.

A big Thank You must go to all the ZL YLs for the great support that they have given the YL 2000 organising committee with their fundraising activities.

COMING EVENTS:

Just a reminder of some very important dates firstly nominations for the WARO Executive officers close on 31st March please send in your nominations to the WARO Secretary Jacquieline Goodenough ZL1JAQ 754 East Coast Road Browns Bay Auckland 1310.

Nominations also close for the NZ WARO ACHIEVEMENT AWARD on 31st March, these nominations to be in the hands of the Awards manager Carolyn Sarten ZL2JP 212 Coronations Avenue New Plymouth 4601.

The THELMA SOUPER MEMORIAL CONTEST is being held on Saturday and Sunday 1st and 2nd April from 0700z to 1000z both evenings. Please make an effort to take part in this contest as it is always a lot of fun and we do need more YLs taking part to give the OMs more of a challenge.