Appointed to New Zealand, Kidson set about the task of building up a scientific weather service from practically nothing. When he took charge the staff numbered four, at the time of his death, it numbered forty. He could foresee that greater use of weather and climatic data would be required of his Bureau, and he worked to be prepared for ever-increasing demands, particularly in the field of aviation. In this, as in many other ways he demonstrated his wise and good administration.

Although he did not live to see regular trans-Tasman and transpacific air services, Kidson did much to provide them, when he convened a Conference for the SW Pacific (of which he was made President) to discuss the meteorological aspects and application to flying.

He continued to prepare meteorological papers, most of which were presented at meetings of scientific bodies, and published in their journals, and he maintained his interest in forecasting to the end.

Bureau of Meteorology