Welcome to the Franklin Amateur Radio Club (NZART branch 10) located in Pukekohe, NZ.
Amateur radio, also known as ham radio, is the use of radio spectrum for non-commercial communication, technical experimentation, self-training, recreation, radiosport, contesting, emergency communication and just plain fun.
Ham radio enthusiasts communicate by radio, via voice, morse-code or digital transmissions with other amateurs. When conditions are good (depending on sunspot cycles and local radio noise), Hams in New Zealand using HF frequencies are able to contact other hams anywhere in New Zealand or around the world.
Amateur operators can also maintain close links through VHF and UHF repeaters. As many of these repeaters link through the Internet, Hams can also communicate with other Hams around the world using VHF and UHF - bypassing difficulties posed by sunspots or local "RF noise" on HF frequencies.
Ham radio is a truly international hobby.