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

Atmospheric analysis

NIWA has been using advanced scientific instruments to measure atmospheric trace gases and isotopes for over 50 years.

  • wave

    Catching Marine Carbon

    Research Project
    This Endeavour Fund programme will examine the potential and risks of three marine carbon dioxide removal techniques by studying their natural equivalents in New Zealand coastal and open-ocean waters.
  • Antarctic phytoplankton under compound microscope aboard RV Tangaroa during an Earth Sciences New Zealand voyage in the Ross Sea in 2021.

    Declining sea-ice is altering Antarctic food webs 

    Media release
    A new study shows a significant change in Antarctic phytoplankton over time that could cascade through the marine food web and affect the ocean’s capacity as a carbon sink. 
  • Mount Alexander

    Earth Sciences NZ awarded more than $57 million for research

    News article
    Earth Sciences New Zealand has been awarded $57,063,697 from the 2025 Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment Endeavour Fund across five critical research programmes encompassing hazard forecasting, climate change mitigation and adaptation and untapped sources of renewable energy.
  • Views over Fiordland

    This year’s winter snow ‘abysmal’ for many

    Media release
    Winter snowfall was well below average for much of the country, says Earth Sciences New Zealand. 
  • Dr Roberta D’Archino

    NZ waters teeming with undiscovered seaweed species, scientist says

    Media release
    Scientists believe they’re only seeing a snapshot of what could be living in our subantarctic islands and deep waters.  
  • SPREP-ESNZ-MOU

    Earth Sciences & SPREP formalise partnership for Pacific climate and environmental resilience

    News article
    Joint media release
  • Earth Sciences

    Earth Sciences NZ seeks its first Chief Executive

    News article
  • Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology Shane Reti shakes hands with Earth Sciences New Zealand Principal Scientist - Forecasting and Media Chris Brandolino

    Unveiling Cascade: A $35 Million Leap Towards New Zealand's Technological Future

    Media release
    New Zealand’s newest and largest supercomputer has produced its first weather forecast.
  • New study reveals colossal scale of riverbank erosion during Cyclone Gabrielle

    Media release
    Over 220,000 m3 of sediment was eroded from just 9.1km of Ūawa/Hikuwai riverbanks in Gisborne (Tairāwhiti).
  • How New Zealand's deep and large lakes reflect and are affected by climate change 

    Research Project
    A recently completed research programme undertaken by Earth Sciences New Zealand looked at the likely impact of climate change on deep lakes.
  • ROA banner

    Real Options Analysis

    Research Project
    Evaluating its strengths and limitations through two Future Coasts Aotearoa case studies
  • Seismic reflection profiles illustrating the frontal accretionary wedge and PFSs in Nankai Trough, Japan, and Hikurangi Trough, New Zealand.

    Discovery of hidden faults sheds light on mystery of 'slow earthquakes'  

    Media release
    Scientists have uncovered a key piece of the puzzle behind the unusual ‘slow earthquakes’ occurring off the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island.