Welcome to the 18th edition of Instrument Systems Update. In this issue we show how we are using technology to help improve weather monitoring in Fiji, manage climate threats and opportunities in Samoa, find ways to reduce pollutants from domestic wood-burners and understand contaminant loads in dairy farm runoff.
NIWA and the Fiji Meteorological Service (FMS) have extended Fiji's weather monitoring by adding weather stations on four islands in Fiji's outer Lau Group.
This is part of an on-going programme to improve climate and weather monitoring and forecasting in Fiji and its neighbouring countries.
In 2009 the Government of Samoa asked NIWA to assist its Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) with improving its monitoring and management of climate risks. A four-year project encompassing this work will run until February 2013.
During winter wood burners contribute significantly to urban air pollution – possibly more than motor vehicles.
NIWA undertook a home heating study in winter 2011 to find out which aspects of wood burners lead to high pollution, address air quality management issues and provide information for strategies to minimize the amount of harmful emissions.
NIWA and AgResearch are working together to develop and test practical approaches for farmers to meet environmental targets.
