apr-11.pdf (2.07 MB) - Crown Ownership Monitoring Unit

OperationsAround half of MetService’s current revenues are derived from a six-yearcontract with the Ministry of Transport to provide road network monitoring andweather information to the New Zealand public.MetService had a busy year with severe weather events and disaster support.In particular, the Canterbury earthquakes demanded specialist weatherforecasting support for the public and emergency services. In meetingthe challenge, MetService provided hourly forecasts of rainfall and winddrivendust risk, supported by a new high-resolution (1.5 km) model. Thisinformation was displayed in user-friendly graphs on the MetService website.The recent Chilean volcanic eruption in June 2011 also kept forecasters andmanagers busy, not just detecting ash but also liaising with key customerssuch as Air NZ and the Civil Aviation Authority.MetService’s future financial success and commercial value are linked tothe success of its growth businesses. In particular, the growth of Metra, theinternational commercial subsidiary of MetService, which provides weatherproducts and services for the energy and media industries.Financial performanceMetService has delivered annual revenue growth every financial year since2005/06. The five-year average revenue growth is a creditable 5.8%. Inthe 2010/11 financial year, revenue of $39.2 million translated into NPAT of$3.1 million. This was an increase of $700,000 on NPAT of $2.4 million in 2009/10.However, NPAT for 2009/10 included a one-off loss of $606,000 owing to thetax change to depreciation on buildings announced in the 2010 Budget. Thecommercial value of the Crown’s investment in MetService has increased by$5.4 million and is currently $49.3 million.Performance against planMetService exceeded its NPAT target of $2.9 million by $195,000, set in its2011–13 SCI. In general, based on key financial performance metrics fromits SCI, MetService was more profitable and produced higher-than-plannedreturns to its shareholders. This is consistent with MetService’s history ofperforming in line with budget expectations over the past four years.NPAT (actual vs budget)$mMajor investmentsMetService continues to invest inits weather observation networkand IT infrastructure. As part ofa five-year $12 million upgradeprogramme, MetService completedthe installation of the Bay of Plentyradar near Rotorua. Progress isalso being made on the Hokitikaradar which is due to be completedin November 2011.Non-financial performanceRoad Weather Network Completed– MetService has worked withNZTA to commission, over thepast three years, a total of 42road weather stations. Thestations improve MetService’sability to forecast significant roadhazards such as snow and ice.Contractors can now accuratelyassess which parts of the roadwill freeze, and whether to use gritor more expensive ice inhibitors.The project was recognised bythe Institution of ProfessionalEngineers as the most outstandingexample of road safety innovationin New Zealand.Corporate social responsibilityMetService discharges its CSRobligations through a number ofinitiatives, including contributing tothe development of severe weatherforecasting in the Pacific region,and some free advertising spacefor charities on metservice.com.DividendsMetService has paid $1.1 millionin dividends to the Crown (in the2010/11 financial year to 30 June2011), an increase of $100,000 on2009/10.■ Actual — Budgetpage | 85