Meteorological Service of New Zealand

The Meteorological Service of New Zealand, known publicly as Metservice, is the national agency responsible for producing weather forecasts, climate information and related environmental services for the country. It generates daily forecasts for the public, sector‑specific outlooks for aviation, marine and agricultural users, and issues official warnings for hazardous weather such as heavy rain, strong winds, thunderstorms and snow. The service also supplies climate data and long‑term outlooks that support planning and risk management across government, industry and the general populace. Its outputs are delivered through websites, mobile applications, APIs and broadcast media, ensuring that timely information reaches a wide range of users.

As the official meteorological authority for New Zealand, Metservice operates continuously, maintaining a 24‑hour watch to monitor atmospheric conditions and update forecasts as needed. The organisation’s mandate includes the provision of critical safety information during emergencies, a function highlighted when its website was temporarily redirected to a backup site containing essential forecasts and alerts during a cyber incident. This capability underscores its role as a trusted source for both routine and urgent weather guidance across the nation’s diverse geographic and climatic zones.

Metservice’s distinguishing attributes lie in its specialised expertise in numerical weather prediction, radar and satellite interpretation, and its integration of observational data from a national network of weather stations and buoys. These competencies enable it to produce high‑resolution forecasts and to support regulatory requirements for aviation safety and marine navigation. The organisation also contributes to national civil defence efforts by supplying weather‑related risk assessments that inform emergency response planning. Its position as a Crown entity means it operates under governmental oversight while retaining the operational agility needed to deliver timely meteorological services.

Structurally, the Meteorological Service of New Zealand is owned by the New Zealand Government and functions as a state‑owned enterprise, reporting to the Minister responsible for civil defence and emergency management. This ownership model ensures that its primary mandate remains the provision of unbiased, publicly accessible weather information rather than commercial profit. The organisation’s governance framework includes a board appointed by the Crown, which oversees strategic direction and performance accountability.