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POLL: Should NZ have more than one big weather player?

It’s a discussion point that frequently comes up – both here in New Zealand but also particularly in the USA.

Here in New Zealand there are other, smaller, weather forecasters but no one seriously contends with MetService – our government run forecaster.

Many argue this is the safest option, having the government look after our police, hospitals, schools and weather forecasts.

Others argue that government run telecommunications, radio and television industries flourish when then are opened up to serious private competition.

How do you feel?  Do you like how it is now, with one main source for national weather forecasts, warnings and weather maps for New Zealand – or can serious competition create more accurate weather products when competition is introduced?  The public, over time, going with the company they believe reflects the best weather product for them.

Post your vote – and comment – below.

Should NZ have more than one big weather player?opinion

Comments

Dave on 13/04/2010 4:18am

I would actually be happy with just one if they were accurate. Most of the time they are not.

Ken Ring on 12/04/2010 1:46pm

Certain educational standards are in place like the NCEA, but there is no track record analysis of the main weather forecasters. Sometimes they are well and truly wrong. It should also be possible for others to qualify for funding as do some alternative medical practitioners and some schools.

Luke on 12/04/2010 12:42pm

Is the metservice actually protected against competition in any way?
Dont think that anyone would be able to make money of duplicating the metservice operations, set up costs would be too high.
Small niche operators are a good to have and I think a few exist like BlueSkies?
Sites like weatherwatch are good so a different view on the weather can be obtained, however i’m guessing you still are heavily dependant on the metserivce for your forecasting?

JohnGaul on 12/04/2010 10:19am

I think there should be one.
…but then
JohnGaul
NZThS

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