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.

  • NIWA's underwater health check

    Feature story
    At the bottom of our lakes are NIWA divers with waterproof clipboards. Sarah Fraser jumps in to find out what they’re doing.
  • Fighting fires - one forecast at a time

    Feature story
    When fire came to Pigeon Valley, Fire and Emergency came to NIWA.
  • Climate Matters - shaping our climate solutions

    NIWA is bringing together decision makers and influencers from across New Zealand this month to shape the science we need to respond to our changing climate.
  • A bird's-eye view of our carbon balance

    Feature story
    Dr Sara Mikaloff-Fletcher is looking to turn the internationally accepted science of monitoring greenhouse gas emissions upside down – and the rest of the world is watching closely.
  • Endless summers

    Feature story
    Susan Pepperell reports on a region trying to cope with a changing climate
  • Protecting freshwater taonga

    Taonga species such as tuna (freshwater eels), kōura (freshwater crayfish) and kākahi (freshwater mussels) are central to the identity and wellbeing of many Māori.
  • Super-model for a worldwide stage

    Feature story
    Demands for new weather and climate predictions are unprecedented as nations struggle to understand their exposure to risk from severe climatic events.
  • From Gore to NIWA via NASA

    Feature story
    A science-fiction fan, amateur actor, and eternal optimist, is now NIWA’s Chief Scientist for Climate, Atmosphere and Hazards.
    Susan Pepperell finds out more.
  • Rotorua Te Arawa lakes

  • Fieldays Weather 2019: a mix of rain, sun, fog and fun

    Media release
    If you’re planning a visit to the National Agricultural Fieldays at Mystery Creek this week, here’s what you can expect from the weather.
  • Come jump in a lake with NIWA

    Media release
    Visitors to NIWA’s stand at this year’s Fieldays are invited to go diving into the Rotorua lakes—without having to get wet.
  • Turritopsis rubra (Farquhar, 1895), Crimson jelly.

    Jiggling Jellyfish

    An interactive guide to the jellyfish of New Zealand.