Climate Change Resilience
Niue now has a legislation making comprehensive provisions in relation to the provision of meteorological and climate related services. The "Meteorological Services Act of 2013 (No. 326)", was passed by Niue's Assembly on 11 September 2013, and subsequently signed and sealed by the Speaker of Assembly, Honorable Ahohiva Levi, on 23 September 2013.

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Part 1 of the Act provides preliminary definitions of terminologies used; Part 2 outlines the functions and responsibilities of the Niue Meteorological Service; Part 3 refers to the functions of the Niue Meteorological Service in relation to regional and international conventions and treaties; Part 4 highlights the protection and operation of the Meteorology Department's assets; Part 5 focuses on the enforcement of the Meteorological Services Act 2013; and the Act concludes with Part 6, which includes protection of the Niue Meteorological Service from liability and provision of fees or charges for services.

The development of Niue's Meteorological Act of 2013 is a partnership between the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), SPREP and the Government of Niue through its Meteorology Department under the "Legislation Drafting Project for the Niue Meteorological Service". The legislation was developed by the Niue Meteorological Service, SPREP and a consultant, and was fully funded by the WMO.

Mr Sionetasi Pulehetoa, Director of Niue Meteorological Service says, "This is a milestone for the department and for government. It is indeed appropriate to have such a document in place to protect and give legal status for the operationalisation of climate and weather services, including disaster warnings for Niue".

It is almost 18 years since Niue ratified the World Meteorological Organization Convention and became a Member of WMO on 31 May 1996. The Meteorology and Climate Change Department has a total of six staff members.

For more information please contact [email protected] or [email protected]