What’s new

All News
  • Kaharoa II

    New vessel to study undersea in the Hauraki Gulf

    News article
    NIWA’s new research vessel, Kaharoa II, will be in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park/ Ko te Pataka kai o Tīkapa Moana Te Moananui-ā-Toi over the next three weeks, filming underwater habitats.
  • Kaharoa II christening

    Cutting-edge research vessel arrives in Wellington

    Media release
    NIWA’s brand-new research vessel, Kaharoa II, was officially christened by Minister Judith Collins today. 
  • Kingfish in the recirculating aquaculture system at the Northland Marine Research Centre.

    Kingfish – the new species for New Zealand aquaculture

    Media release
    Commercial-scale production of kingfish - a high-value, white-fleshed finfish to complement salmon - is now a reality in New Zealand. 
  • Supercomputing for the nation - NIWA’s new $20 million supercomputer

    Media release
    A $20 million investment in NIWA’s world-leading climate, marine and freshwater science and advanced technologies.
  • Polar vortex July 2024

    The rare event driving the Southern Hemisphere’s weather

    Media release
    An unusual disturbance high above Antarctica is causing polar air to encroach on different parts of the Southern Hemisphere, including New Zealand.
  • Unprecedented ocean change may impact key NZ fisheries

    News article
    NIWA scientists have seen substantial changes in the ocean to the east of New Zealand
Fighting climate change from space

Fighting climate change from space: MethaneSAT

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.

New Zealand's largest provider of climate, freshwater and ocean science here to support your business innovation.