Overview
- The agency confirmed a breakdown of $4.1 million for the front‑end redesign, $79.8 million for the website build, and $12.6 million for launch and security testing, totaling roughly $96.5 million.
- Environment Minister Murray Watt said he has met twice with new CEO Stuart Minchin, directed him to report on how the costs escalated, and signaled dissatisfaction with the rollout.
- Users complained that the revamped site hindered access to local rainfall, river heights, and radar information, prompting the bureau to restore the previous radar visual as the default option.
- Further website updates are planned, with a scheduled refresh delayed over the weekend to avoid disruption during Severe Tropical Cyclone Fina.
- Politicians from multiple parties demanded accountability as recent revelations compounded earlier missteps, including last year’s false tsunami alert and a 2022 rebranding backlash.