Science sector reforms

NIWA will transition to Earth Sciences New Zealand on 1 July 2025.

The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) and GNS Science (GNS) are joining to form the New Zealand Institute for Earth Science. We will be known as Earth Sciences New Zealand (ESI).

Earth Sciences New Zealand aims to drive the country’s economic growth and wellbeing through increasing returns from the use of our natural resources and environments, enhancing energy security, building resilience to natural hazards and increasing prosperity in a changing climate.

NIWA and GNS have a strong history of collaboration. Combining our strengths will enhance our science, improve our operational efficiency and substantially increase the scale, connectivity and impact of New Zealand’s scientific capabilities to undertake earth, water and atmospheric science. The new organisation will enhance connectivity with key players in the science system, such as Public Research Organisations, universities and independent research organisations. The aim is to increase collaboration and innovation, and enable more effective sharing of knowledge, data and research outcomes. It will provide a platform for joint research initiatives, interdisciplinary projects and the development of innovative solutions and technologies.

What this means for you

• Our legal name will become New Zealand Institute for Earth Science Limited. We will be commonly known as Earth Sciences New Zealand or ESI.
• We will continue to operate from our usual facilities, and our relationships, contracts and commitments will continue as planned.
• The legal effect of the merger is that any contract you may currently have with NIWA will simply continue under Earth Sciences New Zealand on 1 July 2025. There is no requirement for any assignment, consent, permission or the execution of any new contracts.
• While we are joining together as Earth Sciences New Zealand on 1July, it will be some time before we can bring our people and systems together. Our customer invoices and purchase orders will adopt the name and branding of the new organisation, but our finance interactions and documentation shared with you will remain separate. You will likely see wording such as “formerly known as NIWA” on invoices, purchase orders and related documentation to distinguish our activities.
• Our NZBN and GST numbers will not change.
• While our bank account name will change, our bank account number will not.
• Our delivery addresses for goods and services remain the same.

We will keep you apprised of any developments that may affect you. In the meantime, please continue to operate and interact with us as normal.