Building a stronger weather forecasting system

MetService welcomes the next steps signalled by the Government in the announcement today. We believe that bringing together MetService and NIWA will provide the best weather forecasting service for New Zealanders.

As we look to the future, an efficient, effective and fit for purpose weather forecasting system is of increasing importance given climate change impacts. Integrating processes and systems that connect long-term climate science and research through to short term forecasting communications enables effective decisions and actions.

We see this as an opportunity to have a more connected weather forecasting system that allows a better integration between climate science, forecasting, hydrology, and coastal hazards.

The Government has agreed to start work on how we might bring together the significant capabilities and resources of MetService and NIWA. This follows the findings of the independent review and aims to ensure that our weather forecasting system is more integrated and better able to prepare for and respond to the increasing number and severity of weather events in a climate change future.

To achieve this, NIWA will acquire MetService as a subsidiary, with MetService retaining its role as New Zealand’s authorised meteorological voice. We note here that the decision is ‘in principle’ which means this is Cabinet’s intention and legislative changes are needed to implement any decision.

There is more work to be done to implement this in-principle decision. It will require changes to legislation, and we are working closely with MBIE, Treasury and NIWA to ensure our weather forecasting system is set up to provide the best service for New Zealand into the future.

We anticipate that legislation will be introduced in mid-2025 and the exact timing of any change will depend on the progress of this legislation through Parliament and of the process that follows. It will not happen overnight. More information on when a Bill will be introduced is expected in 2025 and we will keep you updated.

We know our weather forecasting system is critically important, not only to give us warning of severe weather so that we can prepare, but for daily operations of the aviation, marine and energy industries and many businesses across New Zealand. It will be critical to ensure adequate capability is in place to maintain continuity of weather forecasting services, particularly during this transition and this will be top of mind as we work through the process.