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  • A teabag being buried in a saltmarsh in Tasmania.

    “Spilling the tea” on wetlands

    Media release
    Scientists find link between temperature and carbon storage rates
  • Lauder UV Index sign

    Warm, dry summer ahead sparks SunSmart reminder

    Media release
    New Zealanders are likely to spend considerable time outdoors this summer, with the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) predicting warm and dry conditions across most of the motu.
  • Microbes behind unprecedented surge in methane emissions

    Media release
    Microbes - such as those living in wetlands, landfills or the digestive tracts of livestock – are behind unprecedented spikes in methane emissions.
  • Pentaceration_forkandbrewer.png

    Cheers to crustaceans: New species named after Welly brewery

    Media release
    A new species has been named after favourite Wellington brewpub Fork and Brewer
  • AI_Flooding_Banner_Image

    Forecasting floods in a fraction of the time with AI

    Media release
    NIWA is using machine learning to forecast flood inundation in a fraction of the time required to run physical models. 
  • The thing

    Clever sleuthing unmasks mystery ocean creature

    Media release
    A mystery specimen has been identified as a species never documented in New Zealand waters.

Uncovering secrets of New Zealand's unexplored Bounty Trough

Exploring the deep

Secrets of New Zealand's unexplored Bounty Trough

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.