Hi Cody C

We refer to your Official Information Act 1982 (OIA) request in which you have asked "how do members of the public access Transpower's lightening strike data (without having to wait for MetService to - infrequently - post it)?

We are processing this request and will revert to you as soon as practicable with our response, and in any event within the stipulated 20 working days under the OIA.

Regards
The Official Information Act Team

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Hi Cody C

You asked us "how do members of the public access Transpower's lightning strike data (without having to wait for MetService to - infrequently - post it)?". You asked this question in the context of your understanding that MetService operates the New Zealand Lightning Detection Network (NZLDN) and that the network is owned by Transpower with Transpower also retaining the rights to said data. You noted that MetService occasionally posts imagery to the public of said data. We are treating your request for information as a request under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA).

Whilst the raw lightning data is collected via assets we own, that raw data is sent directly to MetService who processes the data into a usable form for us and others to use for a commercial fee. This is carried out under a contract we have with MetService, which also provides MetService with the exclusive right to market the data and make it available to third parties. Accordingly, we are unable to provide you with access to the lightning data, to do so would be likely to unreasonably prejudice the commercial position of MetService. As such, we are withholding the lightning data in accordance with section 9(1)(b)(ii) of the OIA.

Kind regards
Transpower's OIA Team

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