The Top of the South Amateur Radio Gathering
Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 September 2026
Brayshaw Park, Blenheim
Everyone is welcome!
Topfest is a weekend gathering for amateur radio enthusiasts from the Top of the South and beyond.
Whether you’re an experienced operator, a newcomer to the hobby, interested in radio and electronics, or simply curious about what amateur radio is all about — come along, meet fellow enthusiasts, see what’s happening and enjoy a weekend of radio, technology and good company.
Event Information
📅 19–20 September 2026
📍 Brayshaw Park, Blenheim
💰 $20 for the weekend — pay at registration
🕣 Registration opens Saturday at 8:30 am
Registration
Please let us know if you’re planning to attend by emailing:
Nick — nick@zl2neb.nz
Registration will be available from 8:30 am on Saturday morning.
The $20 entry fee covers the weekend.
Programme
The programme is currently a draft and may be subject to change. Topics and presenters will be updated as details are confirmed.
Saturday 19 September
| Time | Presenter | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30 am | Registration opens | |
| 9:00 am | Stuart Watchman | Welcome & Introduction |
| 9:25 am | Roger Corbett | Topic 1 — [DETAILS TBC] |
| 10:00 am | ☕ Morning Tea | |
| 10:15 am | Warren Judkins | Amateur Broadcast Radio |
| 10:45 am | Jay Haines | Tailscale |
| 11:15 am | Nick Batt | Remote Station Control |
| 11:45 am | 🍴 Lunch | |
| 12:15 pm | Antenna Racing — World Champs 2026 | |
| 1:00 pm | John Y | AREC FM LPFM network in Wellington |
| 2:00 pm | Rick | POTA Problems |
| 3:00 pm | ☕ Afternoon Break | |
| 3:25 pm | Roger Corbett | Topic 2 — [DETAILS TBC] |
| 4:00 pm | John E | SDR / RBN / Winlink |
| 5:00 pm | Finish | |
| 6:00 pm | 🍴 Dinner — details TBC |
Sunday 20 September
| Time | Presenter | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 am | Neville Marr | WSPR |
| 10:00 am | ☕ Morning Tea | |
| 10:15 am | Nick Batt | Life as a Radio Activist & Giveaways |
| 11:00 am | George Timmermans | Rapid Prototyping |
| 12:00 pm | 🍴 Lunch | |
| 1:00 pm | Stuart Watchman | Remote HF Station & Wrap-up |
Getting There
Topfest is being held in the Vintage Car Club (VCC) club rooms at Brayshaw Park, Blenheim.
From Arthur Baker Place
Turn into Arthur Baker Place and continue for approximately 200 metres.
Turn right at the first Brayshaw Heritage car park sign.
Continue straight ahead through the edge of the car park until you reach the T-end. Turn left at the miniature trains sign.
Topfest is being held in the VCC club rooms at the back of the first building on your left.
There is parking here for approximately 25 vehicles.
If the VCC car park is full
If no spaces are available, continue to the main car park near the red telephone box.
Park there and follow the short path to the left of the telephone box. You will come out within sight of the VCC club rooms.
Location
Vintage Car Club Rooms
Brayshaw Park
Blenheim, New Zealand
What to Expect
Topfest is all about getting together with other people interested in amateur radio.
Over the weekend there will be presentations and demonstrations covering a range of topics, along with plenty of opportunity to chat, exchange ideas and learn something new.
Expect a mixture of:
📻 Amateur Radio
🔧 Electronics & Technology
📡 Antennas & RF
💻 Digital & Remote Radio
🛰️ WSPR, SDR, RBN & Winlink
🏕️ POTA & Portable Operation
🛠️ Projects & Rapid Prototyping
🤝 Good company and plenty of radio talk
The programme is deliberately varied, so there should be something of interest whether you’re into traditional amateur radio, modern digital technology, homebrew projects or portable operating.
Everyone Is Welcome
You don’t need to be a member of a particular club to attend.
Whether you’re from Marlborough, Nelson, Tasman, the West Coast, Canterbury or further afield, we’d love to see you at Topfest.
New to amateur radio?
Come along and meet us.
Experienced operator?
Bring your stories, projects and ideas.
Keep an Eye Out for Updates
The programme and event details are still being finalised.
We’ll update this page as more information becomes available, including:
- Final presentation topics
- Dinner arrangements
- Any additional activities
- Venue information
- Maps and parking
- Other event details