NZART Celebrates a Century of Amateur Radio

This weekend marks a truly historic milestone as the New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters celebrates its Centenary Conference, commemorating 100 years of organised amateur radio in New Zealand. Founded in Auckland on 16 August 1926, NZART has spent a century supporting technical innovation, education, emergency communications, international goodwill and the growth of amateur radio across New Zealand. The centenary is both a celebration of an extraordinary past and an opportunity to look ahead to the next 100 years of amateur radio.

Held over King's Birthday Weekend at the Waipuna Conference Centre in Auckland, the conference brings together radio amateurs from throughout New Zealand and around the world under the theme of "Celebrating Our Past, Exploring Our Future". The weekend program includes the NZART Annual General Meeting, historical presentations reflecting on the association's rich heritage, technical forums covering topics ranging from emergency communications and digital modes through to SDR technology and future developments, together with a gala centenary dinner and awards presentations.

The Wireless Institute of Australia will be represented at the celebrations by Peter Schrader, WIA Director and Vice President, who will attend on behalf of the Australian amateur radio community. The close and enduring relationship between NZART and the WIA spans many decades, reflecting the strong friendship and cooperation that exists between amateur radio operators on both sides of the Tasman. Peter's attendance acknowledges the significance of this once-in-a-generation milestone and provides an opportunity to strengthen the long-standing ties between our two national societies as both organisations continue to promote education, experimentation, advocacy and community service through amateur radio.

The WIA extends its congratulations to NZART, its members, volunteers and leaders, past and present, on reaching this remarkable centenary. From the earliest days of spark transmitters and Morse code through to today's world of satellites, digital communications and software-defined radio, NZART has played a vital role in advancing amateur radio in New Zealand. We wish all conference delegates a successful and memorable weekend of celebration, reflection and inspiration as they honour a century of achievement and begin writing the next chapter of amateur radio history.

Page Last Updated: Friday, 29 May 2026 at 14:48 hours by Justin Giles-clark

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