The South Pacific Convergence Zone (SPCZ) is a band of convergence that splits from the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and Western Pacific Warm Pool at the maritime continent and extends southeast as far as the Cook Islands. The SPCZ moves zonally and may be positioned further east or west as it is influenced by larger-scale climate oscillations, for example the El Niño-Southern Oscillation. The position of the SPCZ influences rainfall patterns across the islands of the Southwest Pacific Ocean.
Under the Climate Present and Past project, NIWA undertakes research about the South Pacific Convergence Zone in the following areas: