RNZ Pacific Cyclone Watch Service

We recently mentioned in our newsletter this fantastic service from RNZ. We recently came across an update on the RNZ website about their Cyclone Watch Service for the 2024-2025 cyclone season. RNZ Pacific has updated its on-air frequencies for the South Pacific tropical cyclone season, which runs from November 2024 until the end of April 2025.

When cyclone alerts are issued, RNZ Pacific will broadcast hourly updates—either just before or immediately after the top of each hour—whenever the situation changes. This service uses information from the Fiji Meteorological Service and the New Zealand MetService, as well as weather bulletins from the meteorological offices of the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Samoa, Tonga, Niue, and Tokelau.

A striking example of the service’s impact comes from Chief Ben Lovo of Bongkil Village on Erromango, Vanuatu. He credited RNZ’s shortwave broadcasts during Cyclone Pam with allowing him to warn four villages and save lives. This serves as a reminder that, even in our modern world, shortwave radio remains a vital tool for communication during emergencies, especially in isolated communities.

For more updates, you can follow RNZ Pacific on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook at @RNZPacific. Whether you’re tuning in via radio or checking online, it’s good to know that reliable information is available when you need it most.

The Tecsun Radios Australia team.