A new weather service will message users with up-to-the-minute forecasts from anywhere in the country. 

The service works on devices connected to the One NZ satellite network. All you have to do is enter your phone number into the website, remoteweather.org. The service sends you a text which you reply to with your WSG84 coordinates, gleaned from your favourite mapping app. Wait a minute, and your free weather report will arrive.

The website is the brainchild of Fletcher Walmsley, who wants to help trampers stay safe in the backcountry. 

“As I’m sure most Kiwis know, New Zealand’s weather changes fast and is unpredictable. This has caught me out a few times,” he said.