Weather forecasting system review update

In 2023 the Government commissioned the weather forecasting system review (the review) to determine the best approach to national weather forecasting in the future.

The review was undertaken by the Sapere Research Group, with oversight from the Treasury, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and the Ministry of Transport. The reviewer engaged with over 50 stakeholders and received significant input from MetService, NIWA and key stakeholders.

Over the coming months, further work will be carried out to explore the changes necessary to ensure a more integrated weather forecasting system, including exploring the implications of competition, data access and the implementation pathway.Officials will report to shareholding Ministers on this work in 2025.

MetService remains New Zealand’s authorised meteorologist and is responsible for providing warning messages as the authorised voice in times of severe weather, with MetService and NIWA continuing to collaborate closely during these events.

The weather forecasting system review report will be available on the websites of both the Treasury and MBIE shortly.

Read the Minister’s announcement:

Building a stronger weather forecasting system(external link) — Beehive.govt.nz

Read more about the review:

Project Hau Nuku: Weather forecasting system review