Year in Review 2025: Kathryn Blackmore

Every year, StopPress catches up with a group of industry leaders from across Aotearoa to talk about the year that was. From the highlights and the lowlights to their favourite foods, fruits and Christmas traditions, they give us a little insight into 2025 as well as a look forward to 2026.

Kathryn Blackmore is sales manager at MetService.

Earlier this year, MetService and Lumo turned to digital out of home advertising to get emergency comms out to Kiwis. Why was this initiative so important to you?

This was one of my favourite pieces of work in 2025. It delivers real world impact and potentially lifesaving change by using multiple media channels to widen audience reach and change behaviours. Pieces of work like this are the most rewarding to see come to fruition.

What is the biggest challenge MetService is facing at the moment?

A positive challenge – MetService is currently navigating a period of significant transformation. As part of the process toward joining Earth Sciences New Zealand, MetService are actively co-designing what the future of weather forecasting looks like in Aotearoa.

This is an exciting opportunity to rethink how we deliver value, both to the public and to our customers, by evolving our products, services, and ways of working to meet future needs.

What did you love most about your job in 2025?

My team, without a doubt. Despite a tough year for the advertising market and broader economic challenges, they’ve shown incredible resilience and commitment. Working alongside people who genuinely care about doing great work, support one another, and keep a positive attitude makes the job truly rewarding.

What trends are you watching closely as we head into 2026?

Video and social content integration as well as increased personalisation. As MetService delivers increasingly customisable weather experiences and data, this space is a key strategic focus for us.

How did you feel about AI this year? Did it help, hinder or leave you totally unfazed? 

We see AI as a positive tool that helps us in what we already do within the adverting space, just more efficiently. Having a clear MetService AI policy in place has given our team guidance on how to use AI responsibly. It’s supported our work, and we’re excited to continue embracing AI as we scale and evolve our consumer business in 2026.

Quick fire five

Go-to sandwich filling? 

Sandwiches, disgusting things. I try not to eat one. Give me an antipasto platter any day.  

Summer or winter? 

Summer, I’d take a year-round summer if I could.

Favourite place in Aotearoa? 

Ooh that’s hard. I’m going with Coromandel.

What is top of your to be read or to be watched list? 

Patriot by Alexei Navalny.

Coffee or tea? 

Coffee, but not instant, blurrgh.

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