South
Taranaki Branch 87 of N.Z.A.R.T.
Who We Are
We are branch 87 of the NZART (New Zealand Association of Radio Transmiters).
Branch 87 was formed by the amalgamation of the Patea (branch 54),
Hawera (branch 14) and Rahotu (branch 32) branches.
Each of the original branches had its own call sign, branch 54 - ZL2QF, branch14 - ZL2 HWA, branch 32 ZL2ANN.
Branch 87 has adopted the call sign ZL2QF, previously belonging to Patea branch 54.
The original holder of ZL2QF was Mr F H Hoy of Patea. Frank Hoy was a
foundation member of the Patea branch when it was formed after WWII.
Frank served in WWII, he also ran the Patea picture theater.
After Frank went 'silent key' the Patea branch decided to adopt the
call sign of this foundation member for sentimental reasons and also to
take advantage of a shorter call sign on 'field days'.
One of our current members is a grandson of Frank Hoy
The original call sign of the Patea branch was ZL2APU - that call sign is held by a current member of Branch 87.
When do we use the branch call signs?
ZL2QF, being the primary call sign of the branch, is used for a number
of events. Most regularly ZL2QF is heard on our Sunday night net
on the Egmont 705 repeater. The call sign is also used for our field
day activities, JOTA, The Rhodedendron Festival Award and similar
occasions.
ZL2ANN, historicly has been used from Rahotu/Opunake area and today its
use is reserved for those members who are operating from that area
during awards and similar events.
ZL2HWA gets used for The Rhodedendron Festival Award and is used infrequently at other times.
The use of any of the branch call signs must be approved before any use.
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