RFUANZ report: radio spectrum matters in NZ

I am pleased to advise that Radio Spectrum Management implemented a new Radio Register of Frequencies on 13 December 2022.

While many in the industry have experienced some glitches, rest assured the team at Radio Spectrum are very keen to find resolutions for all issues. As with any system, there are bound to be a number of teething problems, so patience is paramount — but importantly, if a problem persists the RSM has requested that you contact them directly at info@rsm.govt.nz.

A log of issues is being maintained and updated weekly. If anyone is interested in seeing what has been raised to date, or when fixes are likely, just send an email to our Administrator, Debby Morgan, at admin@rfuanz.org.nz.

History of RSM

I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Radio Spectrum Management on the 100th anniversary of the first radio regulations. These regulations were first gazetted on 17 January 1923, covering rules for amateur, experimental and broadcast radio stations. They were issued under the Post and Telegraph Act 1908.

The NZ regulations were based on findings of the preliminary International Radio Conference held in Washington in 1920.

Radio Spectrum Management timeline:

• 1923–1959: Post & Telegraph Department
• 1959–1987: New Zealand Post Office
• 1987–1995: Radio Frequency Service, Telecom New Zealand
• 1995–2000: Radio Frequency Service, Ministry of Commerce
• 2000–2012: Radio Spectrum Management, Ministry of Economic Development
• 2012–Current: Radio Spectrum Management, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
   

Annual General Meeting and Gala Dinner for RFUANZ

As mentioned in our December/January column article for Critical Comms, our annual Gala Dinner, Industry Awards and Annual General Meeting will be held on 13 June this year, again in Christchurch at Te Pae.

To learn more about RFUANZ, I invite you to attend our Annual General Meeting during day one of the Comms Connect exhibition. We welcome all spectrum users, as it is an opportunity to have your say in the industry. The AGM takes only an hour.

Registrations for the annual Gala Dinner and nominations for the annual awards have now opened, so please see our website for details and where possible nominate all worthy recipients in each category. The keynote speaker and MC, Kerre Woodham, has a long history of broadcast radio and television.

I look forward to seeing you there.