Smarter ocean data making New Zealand’s waters safer

New Zealand is stepping up how it delivers ocean data, as conditions at sea become more unpredictable and the need for real-time insight grows.

To mark World Hydrography Day 2026, Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) is highlighting a new generation of digital products designed to help mariners navigate changing weather, shifting sea levels, and increasingly complex coastal conditions.

These tools are being developed through the Maritime Digital Transformation (MDT) Programme a joint initiative with Maritime NZ, backed by $28.6 million in Government funding through to 2029.

LINZ National Hydrographer Adam Greenland says it’s a fundamental shift.

“Our coasts and oceans are changing. Mariners need information that reflects what’s happening now - not what we thought it would be.”

The MDT Programme is moving beyond static charts to dynamic, data-driven services- combining tides, currents, and seabed data into a clearer, more responsive picture of conditions at sea.

“For a country that relies on shipping, this is a major step forward,” adds Greenland.

Early results from S100 testbed trials showed a difference. In Tory Channel, richer data has improved understanding of complex local conditions and supported decision-making in emergency scenarios. In Auckland’s Port, surface current data helped pilots better anticipate vessel movement, improving both safety and efficiency.

“These are real-world gains. Better visibility means better decisions, especially when conditions are at their toughest.”

While the way information is delivered is evolving, the priority remains unchanged: safe navigation.

LINZ will continue to ensure hydrographic data meets strict standards for accuracy and reliability, giving mariners the confidence to navigate New Zealand waters safely, now and into the future.