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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-
Degraded estuaries feel the heat
Media release11 December 2025Degraded estuaries are less resilient to the impacts of heatwaves, new research from Earth Sciences New Zealand shows. -
NZ and US studying “huge unknown” in Antarctic climate science
Media release10 December 2025Scientists are measuring a huge unknown in climate science: how much heat Antarctica emits into space. -
Earth Sciences New Zealand announces its new Chief Executive
Media release24 November 2025James Palmer is the new Chief Executive of Earth Sciences New Zealand. -
Scientists’ stunning snaps
Media release23 November 2025An annual photography competition held by Earth Sciences New Zealand has put our exceptional natural environment in the spotlight. -
It’s breeding season for invasive clam
Media release20 November 2025Earth Science NZ researchers are seeing signs that the breeding season for the invasive freshwater gold clam (Corbicula fluminea) has begun. -
Nationwide study reveals escalating flood risk
Media release30 October 2025New research led by Earth Sciences New Zealand reveals that more than 750,000 New Zealanders live in locations exposed to flooding from one-in-100-year rainfall flooding events.
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.