Photos by Lisa J Molloy

A VHF radio installed at the Neiafu Police Station yesterday August 31, will assist with emergency responses over land and sea in Vava'u. The VHF system covers the archipelago of Vava'u and 40 nautical miles.

A community fund raising event by the Vava'u Emergency Response Association was held at Aquarium Café to purchase the equipment, said Lisa Molloy.

“We were able to raise $1000 to purchase a VHF radio for the local police station.”

The antenna and radio were installed at the station in Neiafu by Baker Hardin, Lisa Molloy, Tom Fisi‘ihoi, and Doug Conley. The call sign is "Vava'u Police".

“Now Vava'u Police Station is in VHF radio contact, and this enables the police, who head Vava'u Emergency Response Association, to be on call 24/7.

“District Commander Falakiseni is very pleased and heads up the Vava'u Emergency Response Association, a voluntary organisation to assist in any emergency situation on land or at sea in Vava'u,” said Lisa.

VHF is used widely in Vava'u to communicate with ocean going yachts, local boats and also with remote communities and households. Channel 26 is used for a popular communication net at 8.30 am daily.

The repeater channel  26 is used by RCC NZ and VERA together in rescue assistance, Lisa said.