Business leaders who rely on weather updates for smooth daily operations can look forward to improved weather forecasting in New Zealand. The government has announced an exciting plan to enhance the country’s weather forecasting by merging the resources and expertise of NIWA (National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research) and MetService. This initiative responds to a recent review highlighting the urgent need for advanced tools to better manage severe weather and climate-related challenges.
A key element of this integration is NIWA’s planned acquisition of MetService, which is set to be formalised through legislation by mid-2025. The aim is to deliver more accurate and timely weather reports, helping New Zealand effectively respond to both routine weather conditions and extreme events.
In conversations, you might hear phrases like “The weather’s all over the shop” or “It’s a real pea-souper,” reflecting the unpredictable nature of our climate. The recent news on the weather forecasting system is a great opportunity for business leaders tol be better equipped to keep their teams informed about working arrangements during inclement weather or to plan outdoor activities with confidence. The updated forecasting capabilities will benefit not just those in remote or hybrid work setup but also businesses across various sectors.
The collaboration between NIWA and MetService is expected to have a positive and lasting impact on the New Zealand economy. According to the 2023 BDO Global Risk Landscape Report, 44% of executives in New Zealand view climate change as a significant threat to their operations.
This statistic highlights the critical importance of timely weather updates, especially for industries such as agriculture and logistics that are particularly vulnerable to climate variability. Tarunesh Singh from BDO has noted the considerable impact that unexpected weather events can have on business resilience and operational planning.
The new weather forecasting system will be especially beneficial for sectors including agriculture, aviation, marine operations, energy production, retail, and hospitality. Businesses will be able to prepare in advance, allowing for better risk management and informed decision-making to mitigate potential losses.
As the upgraded forecasting system is gradually rolled out, business leaders throughout New Zealand particularly in regions like Northland, Wellington, Auckland, Hawke’s Bay, and Canterbury will see significant advantages. Enhanced accuracy in weather predictions will enable them to manage risks more effectively, potentially reducing downtime and increasing profitability in weather-sensitive industries.
For instance, in Wellington, where nearly 40% of the population works in government or public service, many employees currently operate under remote or hybrid models. The updated weather forecasting system will provide them with the insights needed to navigate weather-related challenges more smoothly.
This timely update is particularly relevant for companies operating under remote or hybrid work models, where understanding weather impacts can influence workforce management and operational efficiency. The enhanced forecasting accuracy will empower them to manage risks more proficiently, potentially leading to reduced downtime and increased profitability in sectors sensitive to weather fluctuations.
Kiwi business leaders or managers that depend on climate conditions for their decision-making processes will find themselves better equipped to navigate the challenges posed by changing weather patterns. The integration aims not only to improve immediate forecasting capabilities but also to foster long-term resilience against climate-related disruptions. The alignment of NIWA and MetService’s resources is expected to have a lasting impact on the New Zealand economy.
