The Government is eyeing an integration between NIWA and MetService in an effort to streamline the national weather forecasting system.
While more work is needed before the change will take place, Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology Judith Collins said “we have agreed in-principle to NIWA acquiring the MetService”.
She added MetService will retain its role as New Zealand’s authorised meteorologist, “subject to further work being completed”.
“We have asked officials at the Treasury and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment to work with the MetService and NIWA to provide implementation details as soon as possible.”
“Having a strong weather forecasting system which combines weather forecasting science with land and hydrological system sciences through to daily public weather updates will help us meet the current and future demands of New Zealanders,” Collins explained.
“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 is crucial that our capabilities are streamlined in order to ensure that it is easy to access information about the weather from a single trusted source.”
The minister said the move aligns with the recommendation from a 2023 review of the weather forecasting system to bring together NIWA and MetService’s capabilities, subject to further work to understand the possible implications. The review had been commissioned by the Government.
“Bringing together the science around climate, weather forecasting, hydrology, and coastal hazards will improve our understanding and allow us to better prepare for, and respond to, severe weather events,” Collins said.
“A more streamlined system will increase safety, improve efficiencies and support a future focused weather forecasting system that works for all New Zealanders.”
