New Zealand is at a higher risk of being affected by tropical cyclones this coming season.
On average, nine cyclones occur in the southwest Pacific each cyclone season, from November through to April.
Up to 12 cyclones are expected this season, and National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research principal scientist James Renwick says because of La Nina conditions there's more chance of cyclones crossing New Zealand.
He says New Zealand is expected to be at risk of experiencing the effects of between one and three cyclones.
Dr Renwick says New Caledonia, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu are at an increased risk while French Polynesia, Tonga and Samoa are at a reduced risk.
