24 July 2025 
 
Nadine Connock 
[FYI request #31654 email] 
 
Ref: OIA-2025/26-0030 
 
Tēnā koe Nadine, 
 
Official Information Act request relating to Cloudseeding and rainmaking technologies 
 
Thank you for your request made under the Official Information Act (the Act), received on 21 
July 2025. You requested: 
 
1.  “Can you please advise which regulatory body would oversee legislation and policy 
requirements relating to experiments of cloud seeding or rainmaking technology if 
applying to be undertaken in New Zealand. 
2.  Can you advise whether cloud seeding or rainmaking technology viability experiments 
if to be undertaken in New Zealand, would be classified as a controlled, permitted or 
discretionary activity under the RMA. 
3.  Can you advise which regulatory body would oversee compliance and monitoring 
standards for cloud seeding or rainmaking technology or viability experiments if to be 
undertaken in New Zealand. 
4.  Can you advise if the HSNO Act or EPA would assess chemical components of cloud 
seeding or rainmaking technology as part of safety checks and balances under the 
RMA if this was to be undertaken in New Zealand. 
5.  Can you advise which agency would monitor internal and external or overseas/foreign 
company applications to undertake an activity to assess the viability of cloud seeding 
or rain making technology experiments in New Zealand.” 
 
I believe the information you have requested is more closely connected with the functions of 
the Ministry for the Environment. Accordingly, I have decided to transfer your request to them 
under section 14(b)(ii) of the Act. 
 
The Ministry for the Environment has the usual timeframes under the Act from receipt of this 
transfer to make a decision on your request.  
 
 
 
Nāku noa, nā 
 
 
 
Amy Teague 
Manager, Ministerial Services 
 
Executive Wing, Parliament Buildings, Wellington, New Zealand 6011 
5072327 
 
  64 4 817 9700     Facsimile 64 4 472 3181     www.dpmc.govt.nz 
 

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