MetService’s Canterbury weather radar at Rakaia is back in action after undergoing a complete replacement, costing $3.5m.
The project, which took the 30-year-old radar offline for nine weeks, involved the demolition of a concrete tower then installation of a stronger 19m high steel tower and new radar on top.
The radar used the latest dual polarisation technology to identify different types of precipitation, be it rain, hail or snow. It will improve services to communities Canterburywide.
MetService chief executive Stephen Hunt said in a statement that the radar technology would provide more detailed weather information for the region.
‘‘Our meteorologists will use this to enhance our weather forecasting and severe weather warning services for central South Island communities, and for aviation, and civil defence agencies. We are aware that the Canterbury radar is well loved by the region and are pleased to be able to deliver improved services through this leading-edge technology.”
The radar site, located three kilometres south of Rakaia provides coverage out to 300kms encompassing all the Canterbury region, the central Southern Alps and parts of Marlborough and Otago.
“We are delighted the radar project is now completed. This is the seventh radar in our network of ten radars that now operates dual polarisation technology.
‘‘As New Zealand’s authorised provider of severe weather warnings, we are always looking to continually improve our national observation network and enhance our forecasting abilities for Aotearoa New Zealand. This is imperative as climate change continues to increase the severity of weather impacts.”
Observing Systems general manager Kevin Alder, whose company oversees the MetService’s weather observation network, said the system could pick up the size of the droplets and their density which meant they could determine rainfall rates in real time.
“Aside from its forecasting value to our meteorologists, the new rain radar will deliver significant benefits to hydrologists and emergency management staff in Environment Canterbury,’’ he said.
It would also benefit the aviation community with enhanced information on significant weather hazards.
‘‘The radar can more accurately identify areas where icing may occur on aircraft flying through clouds – we will now be able to better provide warnings to airlines to avoid these areas.’’
The project has been 15 months in the making given the radar itself comes from Vaisala in Finland and the radome, which encased the technology, from Italy.
“Our engineers and project team, along with Wellington-based Acme Engineering have done a great job to replace the radar well within in the planned three-month timeframe, ensuring it was only offline for the for the shortest amount of time,” Alder said.
The project was part of ongoing investment in the New Zealand weather radar network, funded through a contract with the Ministry of Transport.
The Auckland Radar, near Warkworth is next to be replaced which will take place in early 2027.
