Dear National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research Limited,

Dear NIWA,

This is a request under the Official Information Act 1982.

I have geo-located a vessel producing significant visible plumes over New Zealand, with coverage large enough to potentially influence local weather. To clarify the scope of my request, I seek information on scientific monitoring and atmospheric data relevant to this phenomenon.

Specifically, I request:

1. Any monitoring systems, datasets, or responsibilities NIWA has regarding atmospheric emissions, plumes, or cloud formation from ships entering New Zealand’s territorial waters (within 12 nautical miles).
2. Any monitoring systems, datasets, or responsibilities NIWA has regarding atmospheric emissions, plumes, or cloud formation from ships operating in New Zealand’s Exclusive Economic Zone (12–200 nautical miles).
3. Any reports, datasets, or scientific studies held by NIWA relating to ship emissions, plumes, or cloud formation observed in New Zealand waters.
4. Any research projects, modelling, or atmospheric studies conducted by NIWA that consider the impact of ship emissions or plumes on cloud formation and weather in New Zealand.
5. Any correspondence between NIWA and other agencies (e.g. Ministry for the Environment, EPA, Maritime NZ) relating to ship emissions, plumes, or cloud formation.

If any of the above categories of information are not held, please confirm this explicitly under section 18(e) of the Act. If information is withheld, please specify the precise section of the Act relied upon, as required under section 19.

Yours sincerely,
Nigel

Yours faithfully,

Nigel Gray