The 2021 Conference was held in Deco Techo Napier at the East Pier Hotel. The Conference was opened by the Mayor of Napier, Kirstin Wise, who recommended we visit the Faraday Centre in Napier. The Roll Call confirmed there was a quorum with 1361 members represents. Our Branch had 219 votes (16%) – I reckon by far the largest. First up was the presentation of the Break In Awards
- Best General Article – John ZL1BPM
- Best Column – Craig ZL3TLB
- Best Technical Article – Murray ZL1BP
The President, Mark ZL2UFI, then reported on the Council meeting the previous day. The main points were
- A paper Callbook will be sent out with November/December BreakIn – get updates in by September at the latest.
- Subs for 2022 will increase to $115 with a $16 rebate if paid by 30th November.
- New exam question bank to be completed by end of year. Amateur of the Year for 2020 was Don Robertson ZL2TYR, AREC CEO.
The Treasurer reported a $33k deficit, but noted NZART has a $400k war chest to defend our rights.
The 2022 Conference will not be in Shantytown. With no branches stepping up, it will probably be organised by NZART HQ. Then it was my pleasure to accept awards on behalf of Club members and once again the Rothschild Trophy. The Annual reports were carried. The ALO advised it was very important to submit monthly returns of sales of Baofeng imports – prohibition has been suggested by others. After lunch the amended Remit was carried on voices Warren ZL2AJ, Vice President, then gave a presentation on possible changes to Council. Options presented were:
- 5 from the whole country
- 3 from the whole country + 1 South Island plus 1 North Island
- 2 from South Island + 2 from ZL1 + 2 from ZL2
- Retain the current structure
Certificates were presented to retiring councillors ZL2IK and ZL2TW. The Stirrers Award was presented to Mark ZL2UFI. Mike ZL3TMB and Mike ZL3MJS attempts were noted. The AREC forum is well reported in the latest AREC newsletter. The speaker at the Saturday Night Dinner was Robin McNeil, Dish Master at the Awarua satellite ground station.
Sunday was the usual mix of meetings forums and technical presentations. I attended
- Future of Ham Radio, lead by Vaughan ZL1VH – mostly positive
- Satellite RX, link budgets and more by Robin ZL4IG – lots of maths
- Setting up for JWFD by John ZL2QM – very handy to have a hill each side of their site.
- 80m DX – a new ham perspective by Stuart ZL2XC – DX is there if you know where to look
- How to set up LOTW by Gary ZL2IFB
- Attempts to receive noise from Jupiter by David ZL4DK – interested in radio astronomy
The first part of the after dinner entertainment was a Radio Play by Bertie and his assistant, followed by a quiz from Debby and Topsy with the Quake Contesters, a clear winner.
