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Welcome to Earth Sciences New Zealand -
Play our new online game! Can you navigate through a lifetime of climate change? -
NIWA is using updated climate projections to help New Zealanders better understand climate-related risks -
Forget the red carpet, roll out the biodegradable matting
What’s new
All News-
Methane monitoring advances promise benefits for agriculture and waste sectors
Media release10 July 2025Accurately measuring methane emissions, verifying sources and validating efforts to reduce them. -
Loss of contact with MethaneSAT satellite won’t stop agricultural emissions research
Media release02 July 2025Earth Sciences New Zealand statement on loss of contact with MethaneSAT satellite. -
A new era for New Zealand science
Media release01 July 2025Today marks the first day of Earth Sciences New Zealand and the start of a new era for science. -
Matariki 2025 viewing conditions
Media release19 June 2025When will I be able to see Matariki rising? -
Native forests sink more carbon than expected
Media release17 June 2025A NIWA-led study has found New Zealand’s native forests are absorbing more carbon dioxide (CO2) than previously thought. -
Lake restoration gets global spotlight
Media release05 June 2025An ambitious plan to reverse the decline of the largest lake in Northland is set to gain global attention at an upcoming international gathering of lake management experts in Australia.
Our work in the Pacific
NIWA's work in the Pacific
Who we are
Taihoro Nukurangi. From the bottom of the ocean to the top of the atmosphere and everything in between: NIWA's climate, freshwater and marine science helps develop solutions to the world's environmental problems and enhance the economic value and sustainable management of New Zealand’s aquatic resources and environments. Decision makers at all levels are seeking evidence-based analysis and advice from environmental experts. NIWA’s science provides high quality insights to underpin important decisions, and innovative solutions. NIWA has staff located across 16 different locations in New Zealand and overseas.
Our research
NIWA's purpose is to enhance the economic value and sustainable management of New Zealand’s aquatic resources and environments, and improve our understanding of climate and the atmosphere, to increase resilience to weather and climate hazards.
Our partners
NIWA has working relationships with hundreds of organisations in New Zealand and overseas, from Iwi to government and other research organisations. Most of NIWA’s revenue comes from contestable research funding and commercial consultancy work.
Education
NIWA supports education at all levels in New Zealand, from school programmes and science fairs to professional development. Providing resources for students and teachers is part of NIWA's commitment to helping young New Zealanders discover more about science and technology.
How can we help?
We offer a range of services to iwi, government, councils, businesses, organisations and individuals. We provide access to major environmental monitoring systems, datasets and tools. We can provide evidence to underpin decision making, help you manage operations and reduce the impacts of our changing climate.