On 1 July 2025, NIWA merged with GNS Science to become Earth Sciences New Zealand.

About NIWA

  • Link between insomnia and depression found at Science & Technology Fair

    Media release
    A study looking at the impact of sleep on depression in adolescents was 18 months in the making for Ellen Thompson.
  • Waitaki Canals

    Science Leadership Team

    The Science Leadership Team is responsible for identifying and leading NIWA's research strategy, stakeholder management, and the development of services, products, and market opportunities.
  • Months in the mud leads to NIWA Science Fair success.

    Media release
    A Year 13 from Saint Kentigern College scooped top prizes at the 2023 NIWA South and East Auckland Science Fair for her project “Crab-a-dabra!".
  • Year 11 wins big at Wellington NIWA Science Fair

    Media release
    A Wellington College pupil claimed two top prizes at this year’s NIWA Wellington Science and Technology Fair.
  • Waikato NIWA Science and Technology Fair

    Media release
    A tactile model for the blind has scooped top prize at the NIWA Waikato Science and Technology Fair.
  • Electric fishing

    Training courses

    NIWA offers a range of courses each year, presented at a number of venues according to need and the level of interest.
  • Huka Falls

    Statement of core purpose

    The Statement of Core Purpose spells out why the Government owns Crown Research Institutes and what it expects from them.
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    Our Partners and Funders

    NIWA has working relationships with hundreds of organisations in New Zealand and overseas. Most of NIWA’s revenue is from contestable research funding and commercial consultancy work.
  • 2022 Half Yearly Report

    Read NIWA's 2022 Half Year Report.
  • Albatross Cook Strait

    Our mission

    NIWA’s mission is to support the wellbeing of Aotearoa New Zealand’s people and businesses through improved management of the environment, sustainable use of natural resources, and effective responses to global change.
  • Our company

    NIWA, the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, is a Crown Research Institute established in 1992. It operates as a stand-alone company with its own Board of Directors and Executive.
  • NIWA and Kia Toipoto – Closing Gender and Ethnic Pay Gaps

    In 2022 NIWA commenced participation in the government's Kia Toipoto programme.