The Science Minister says merging our two Government weather agencies will free up millions of dollars. 

Incoming legislation will bring NIWA and MetService together before the end of the year. 

Shane Reti says the merger will resolve the structural issue that's resulted in duplication and conflicting advice. 

He told Mike Hosking they'll merge capabilities, assets and services, and streamline back-office functions. 

Reti says they're projecting there'll be an extra $3 million a year as a result, which they'll drive back into weather forecasting. 

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