Where industry meets: RFUANZ and Comms Connect 2026

The past year has been one of steady progress and continued advocacy for RFUANZ, as we remain focused on protecting, promoting and preserving radio communications across New Zealand.

Following a period of internal change in 2024, 2025 allowed the committee to build momentum, strengthen relationships, and deliver on key initiatives that support both our members and the wider industry.

A highlight over the past 12 months has been securing a $20,000 grant to further develop the industry’s technical qualification pathway. This work is already underway and represents an important step towards addressing one of the sector’s most persistent challenges: an impending skills shortage. While a detailed update will be shared at our upcoming AGM, the direction is clear: ensuring we create a sustainable, recognised pathway for the next generation of technicians entering the industry.

Alongside this, RFUANZ has continued to actively engage with Radio Spectrum Management (RSM) across a range of matters impacting the sector. This includes our formal submission for the 2025 Radio Spectrum Fees Review, where we worked closely with members to ensure industry perspectives were well represented.

We acknowledge the balanced approach taken by RSM in the final proposal. While fee increases are never without impact, the outcome reflects a measured position compared to earlier projections. Changes are set to come into effect from July 2026.

A continued focus of ours is strengthening the connection within our community and the wider industry. In November, RFUANZ delivered two new membership networking events, which proved successful in bringing professionals together in a more informal and accessible setting. These events will return in 2026 as we continue to build opportunities for collaboration, knowledge-sharing and community across the sector. As a membership-based association, we encourage those involved in the industry to consider joining and contributing to this growing network.

Looking ahead, a calendar highlight is once again upon us: Comms Connect NZ 2026, taking place in Wellington on 27–28 May. After several successful years in Christchurch, the move to Wellington marks an exciting new chapter for the event.

RFUANZ is hosting our AGM at 2 pm on the 27th, followed by the Industry Awards Gala Dinner that evening — a key opportunity to recognise and celebrate the people who continue to drive this industry forward. This year also sees the introduction of a new award category, further evolving how we acknowledge contribution and excellence across the sector.

None of this would be possible without the ongoing support of our sponsors, partners and dedicated committee members, including the continued leadership of our Chair, Soren Low. Their commitment ensures RFUANZ can deliver meaningful initiatives and maintain a strong, representative voice for the industry.

As always, our focus remains clear: supporting the industry through advocacy, developing future talent, and creating opportunities for connection. We look forward to engaging with many of you in Wellington and continuing the conversation on how we collectively strengthen the future of radio communications in New Zealand.

Radio Frequency Users Association of New Zealand (RFUANZ)

Image credit: iStock.com/Crovik Media