Information for media

MetService spokespeople can provide media commentary around all types of weather especially during severe weather events.

MetService is the official source of Aotearoa New Zealand’s official Severe Weather Warnings. We work closely with NEMA and local agencies to get important weather information to the people that need it.

We recognise the importance working closely with New Zealand media, to ensure safety-critical message reaches the biggest audience, as clarity of message is important for public safety.

The latest forecasts and warnings can be found on metservice.com. The Severe Weather Watches and Warnings page on MetService.com is intended to help understand the regions at risk of forecasted severe weather.

How to reach us

Call us 24/7

Feel free to call us to clarify or verify anything weather related or for quotes and stats to support your weather stories.

Dedicated media phone line for weather enquiries: (04) 470 0848

Our dedicated weather communications team are available to help with media enquiries, daily from 7am to 3pm including weekends. In the lead up to significant weather events these hours often extend, covering 6am – 10pm.

Outside of this, the media phone line will be answered by operational meteorologists - we’ve got you covered 24/7.

Email us

 You can email MetComms@metservice.com the inbox is monitored everyday 7am – 3pm.

Subscribe for Media Releases

We send regular Weather News media releases – you can find the most recent releases on our weather news page, or you can receive these direct to your inbox by signing up here.

Social Media

Our social channels are updated daily with graphics which you are welcome to embed in your stories.

Our Weather Communication Team

  • John Law

    Broadcast Meteorologist

    John presents the daily weather videos on MetService.com. Originally from the United Kingdom, John has spent most of his time since 2011 in the Southern Hemisphere either here at MetService as one of the team of meteorologists or working with the British Antarctic Survey at their Rothera Research Station.

  • Mmathapelo “Thapi” Makgabutlane

    Communications Meteorologist

    Mmathapelo is a meteorologist with experience forecasting weather in her home country of South Africa and here in Aotearoa New Zealand. She has a deep interest in how weather affects people’s lives and counts a 100-day expedition to Antarctica as one of her “coolest” weather experiences.

  • Heather Keats

    Head of Weather News

    Heather is a well known face of weather in Aotearoa with over 25 years media experience as a Radio and TV presenter. Heather’s passion is explaining weather in a relatable and real manner - helping Kiwi’s make every day decisions with the latest forecast and weather insights in mind. Heather’s passion for weather started at the age of 7 after watching a water spout on the Firth of Thames, solidifying a life long obsession for geography and weather.