Local operators in tune

Ham radio operators will be setting makeshift camps nationwide this weekend in a bid to prove themselves the most skilled communicators. The "Jock White Field Days" are an annual emergency practice run for amateur radio operators throughout New Zealand. The two-day event sees about 50 teams set up temporary shelter and contact one another by ham radio voice call and morse code once every hour, explains Graeme Bateman, amateur radio operator. After the Hawera Amateur Radio Club won the event last year, Mr Bateman and fellow radio operator Gary Legge are confident the club is in with another chance this time around. "The most contacts you make, win the competition," Mr Legge said. "You've set up the best station." It is an important training process for potential disasters. "We are responsible for mountain communications and stuff like that, when climbers are in trouble on the south side of the mountain (Taranaki)," he said. "And naturally we can be responsible to provide radio communications in disasters when all other means have failed." Mr Bateman agrees. "In situations like Christchurch, they made great use of amateur radio operators because it was fairly difficult to get information in or out (of the city) for a while," he said. And besides, it is all great fun. "One of the advantages is that we can operate out of anywhere as long as we get access to a 12 volt battery," Mr Legge said. For the past 25 years, Hawera Amateur Radio Club has operated out of the Kakaramea School grounds and used their facilities for sleeping. Ad Feedback - © Fairfax NZ News PETRA FINER -SOUTH TARANAKI STAR Last updated 11:05 20/02/2013

Friendly welcome home for couple

Robin and Kathy Bloor are home to roost after more than 40 years out of the region. A former racing journalist, Robin moved into hospitality about five years ago. The opportunity to head home to Taranaki appeared recently and it was too good to pass up. While Hawera is a bit smaller than their previous hometown of Petone, Wellington, they say it's proving to be just as warm and welcoming. "It had to be a business decision and Taranaki seems to be advancing in the recession, more so than a lot of other provinces," he said. A bit of research quickly confirmed that for the Bloors. "Taranaki ranks about third after Auckland and Wellington, so we know we had good occupancy figures," he explained. It helps that there are family and friends, including Mr Bloor's mother, that live in Hawera. A surprising number of guests have been old friends. "The town hasn't changed much over the years, it's got more supermarkets which is the most noticeable difference," he said. Another thing Mr Bloor has discovered is the way Glover Rd has become Hawera's second business hub. Mrs Bloor, a city girl at heart, is getting used to not having everything on hand 24 hours a day. "Everyone is so friendly. I've called in at shops and mentioned that I've just arrived and they are really friendly and helpful," she said. "It's been a great experience so far." - © Fairfax NZ News PETRA FINER -SOUTH TARANAKI STAR