-
Welcome to Earth Sciences New Zealand -
Play our new online game! Can you navigate through a lifetime of climate change? -
High-resolution climate projections using physics and AI -
NIWA is using updated climate projections to help New Zealanders better understand climate-related risks
What’s new
All News-
Dobson #17 takes a final bow after nearly four decades of service measuring Antarctic ozone
Media release28 October 2026Sylvia Nichol directed sunlight down the Dobson’s periscope to make its first Antarctic measurement back in 1988, and was there to make the final measurement 38 years later. -
First evidence that climate change fuelled wildfires are changing methane in our atmosphere on a global scale
Media release27 October 2026Earth Sciences New Zealand-led analysis in the WMO’s annual report on global greenhouse gases has revealed a shift in the source of methane emissions. -
New Zealand-led research at climate science’s AI frontier unlocks extreme weather insights
Media release20 October 2026Earth Sciences New Zealand researchers have used generative AI to produce high-resolution climate projections at a scale previously out of reach, providing a window into future changes in rainfall, temperature and extreme weather events in a warming world. -
Increased tropical cyclone activity possible for parts of the Southwest Pacific
News article14 October 2026The Southwest Pacific could experience at least four severe tropical cyclones reaching category 3 or higher this season, according to the 2026/27 Tropical Cyclone Outlook coordinated by Earth Sciences New Zealand. -
El Niño 2026: What you need to know
News article02 September 2026New Zealand will feel the impacts of a ‘Very Strong’ El Niño event over spring and summer of 2026/27. -
Much of New Zealand in for stargazing success this Matariki weekend
News article09 July 2026Hoping for a glimpse of the Matariki stars over the long weekend?
The gold clam invading the Waikato River
The gold clam invading the Waikato River
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.