For almost a century the Mason family of Feilding have been keeping a closer eye on the weather than most people.
But now, at 94, Alan Mason is looking for a successor.
Every morning about 7am he checks his rain gauge and opens the hatch on his purpose-made thermometer board, and then heads up to his office and emails the information to Niwa.
Mr Mason is one of a network of about 400 dedicated volunteers around New Zealand who measure weather data daily to add to the database used by climate scientists.
"It's a daily chore," he says.
Mr Mason's father Frank took over the Feilding recording in July 1917 and in 98 years there hasn't been a day missed.
Mr Mason says he keeps on taking the measurements because "the weather is so important to us".
"We are an agricultural and pastoral country and let's not forget that we are dependent on our soil for our wellbeing. Weather plays such a large part in it."
But Mr Mason is now looking for someone to take over his labour. "I'm 94 for God's sake, I can't go on forever."
Niwa's principal climate technician Andrew Harper said the volunteers provided an invaluable service and their efforts were deeply appreciated.
New Zealand's climate network dates back to 1841 but records were sporadic until the 1860s.
- More information: Andrew Harper, principal climate technician, 03 3437824.