The site for the new weather radar has been confirmed near Horoirangi Peak, situated 630 meters above sea level and approximately 15 kilometers northeast of Nelson City. This installation addresses a long-standing coverage gap that forced the Nelson Tasman region to rely on distant equipment in Wellington that could not effectively monitor the northwest Tasman area.
This project carries a total funding commitment of up to $5 million, a measure fast-tracked by the government following severe storms and flooding that occurred last July. The area has faced persistent challenges, with South Island Minister James Meager noting that the region has declared five states of emergency since 2011. Improved forecasting capability is intended to provide emergency managers, councils, and local first responders with the necessary data to prepare for future extreme weather events.
MetService will manage the installation and ongoing operation of the facility, which will feature modern Doppler dual-polarisation technology. This system is designed to provide more accurate rainfall estimates and enhance overall weather monitoring capabilities. The selection of the Horoirangi Peak location followed a rigorous evaluation of approximately 10 potential sites across the eastern hills near Nelson, the central hills around Moutere, and areas reaching toward Motueka and Kahurangi National Park. The chosen site was prioritized for its optimal altitude and the support of local landowners willing to host the infrastructure.
Operations at the new site are expected to be fully functional by mid-2027. Once active, the radar will require an annual operating budget of approximately $260,000 to maintain its service to the community.