Amateur Radio Rules & Regulations – New Zealand

These flashcards cover the major regulatory, organisational, and operational points from the lecture notes on establishing and operating an amateur radio station in New Zealand. They follow a question-and-answer format to help students prepare for the NZ amateur radio examination and understand their ongoing responsibilities as licensed operators.

Which government body manages radio spectrum in New Zealand and appoints Approved Radio Examiners (ARX)?

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Radio Spectrum Management (MBIE RSM).

Name the TWO key legal documents every NZ amateur must understand.

1) The General User Radio Licence (GURL) for Amateur Radio Operators.
2) The General Amateur Operator’s Certificate of Competency.

What privilege does the GURL grant to a holder of a General Amateur Operator’s Certificate?

It authorises the person to establish and operate an amateur radio station in New Zealand within the listed frequency bands and conditions.

What information is printed on a General Amateur Operator’s Certificate of Competency?

The operator’s name, address, client ID, and one or more unique callsigns for on-air identification.

Through which online system can NZ amateurs view or update their licence details?

SMART – Spectrum Management And Registration Technology.

Who can enter examination results and allocate a new callsign in SMART?

An Approved Radio Examiner (ARX).

What is the ITU definition of the 'amateur service'?

A radiocommunication service for self-training, intercommunication and technical investigations carried out by duly authorised persons, without pecuniary interest.

Into which ITU Region does New Zealand fall?

Region 3 (Asia-Pacific and Oceania).

What international organisation represents amateur radio societies worldwide?

The International Amateur Radio Union (IARU).

Which society represents NZ radio amateurs nationally and internationally?

NZART – New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters.

What is the maximum transmitter power allowed under the GURL?

1 000 watts peak envelope power (PEP), irrespective of mode.

How often must an amateur station announce its callsign during communications?

At least once every 15 minutes.

Are music or entertainment broadcasts permitted on amateur radio in NZ?

No. Amateur stations are not broadcasters and must not transmit entertainment or music.

During the first three months after qualification, on which bands may a new NZ amateur transmit?

Only below 5 MHz and above 25 MHz.

What operating log requirement must a newly-qualified amateur meet before using all bands?

Log at least 50 contacts within the first three months and keep the log for one year.

State two practical reasons for keeping a station log beyond the minimum requirement.

1) Evidence if interference complaints arise.
2) Record keeping for contests, awards, and QSL management.

Under what condition may an amateur communicate with non-amateur stations on non-amateur frequencies?

Only in an emergency when safety of human life is at risk (RR 4.9).

What is 'third-party traffic' and what restriction applies in NZ?

'Brief personal messages' passed on behalf of others; the licensed operator must be present and controlling the station, and the distant station must also be permitted to handle third-party traffic.

What callsign addition should be used when operating away from the licensed station location for a short period?

Add "/P" (portable) or say " portable"; "/M" (mobile) for mobile operation.

Are encrypted or secret codes allowed on amateur transmissions?

No. Messages may not be encoded to obscure meaning, except for control signals to satellites, repeaters, or beacons under separate licences.

How must a visiting overseas amateur identify while operating in NZ?

Use own national callsign followed by "/ZL" (or prefix ZL/)—e.g., G3ABC/ZL—for up to 90 days.

Define 'harmful interference' under the ITU Regulations.

Interference that endangers safety services or seriously degrades, obstructs, or repeatedly interrupts a licensed radiocommunication service.

How many questions are in the NZ amateur exam, and what is the pass mark?

60 multiple-choice questions; a pass requires at least 40 correct answers.

Which public brochure sets out callsign allocation rules for ARX use?

PIB 46 – “Radio Operator Certificate and Callsign Rules.”

Within what period must an amateur update their address in SMART after moving residence?

Within one month (Radiocommunications Act 24A).

What is the definition of Peak Envelope Power (PEP)?

The average power supplied to the antenna transmission line during one RF cycle at the crest of the modulation envelope under normal operating conditions (RR 1.157).

Which VHF band segment (50–51 MHz) requires a special permit in NZ?

The 50–51 MHz segment, because it is shared with legacy analogue TV services.

What is FMTAG and its role?

NZART’s Frequency Management and Technical Advisory Group—coordinates band plans, repeaters, and beacons in NZ.

Which ETSI standard is referenced in the GURL for unwanted emissions from amateur equipment?

ETSI ETS 300 684.

Name the two spot frequencies near 5 MHz authorised for AREC emergency use.

5 MHz spot channels assigned specifically to Amateur Radio Emergency Communications (exact frequencies provided by MBIE RSM/AREC documentation).

State the general rule for power and bandwidth usage by amateurs.

Use the minimum power and minimum bandwidth necessary for satisfactory communication.

Can amateur beacons or repeaters be established under the GURL alone?

No. They require separate licences; the GURL does not authorise fixed beacons or repeaters.

What practical identification evidence must a candidate present before sitting the amateur exam?

An official identity document plus a passport-style photo signed by a witness to confirm identity.

How long may an overseas amateur operate in New Zealand under the visitor provisions?

Up to 90 days, using their home callsign with the ZL prefix or suffix.

What is the compulsory prefix swap allowed during contest operation in NZ?

A holder of a ZL callsign may substitute "ZM" for the duration of a recognised contest or special-event control operation.

What regulation states that no licence confers a monopoly over any frequency?

Schedule 1, clause 6 of the Radiocommunications Regulations 2001.

Who may inspect an amateur’s Certificate of Competency at any time?

An authorised officer of MBIE RSM.

What is the minimum age for holding an NZ amateur qualification?

There is no upper or lower age limit; any competent person may qualify.