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.

  • Wind turbines

    Computational Fluid Dynamics for environmental flow modelling

    Research Project
    Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is an advanced simulation technology that uses numerical methods and powerful computing resources to model the movement of air in the natural environment.
  • Lagarosiphon major at NIWA's Ruakura site.

    Roto Whakamahu: Degraded lakes restoration using native plants

    Research Project
    Earth Sciences New Zealand researchers are studying the optimal growing conditions of aquatic plants to help restore degraded lakes. 
  • Cyclone Gabrielle caused flooding throughout Waimauku in West Auckland.

    Rain from tropical cyclones to increase under warmer climate 

    Media release
    New high-resolution modelling predicts that rainfall from tropical cyclones will significantly increase under global warming.
  • Study of ancient sea creature’s DNA links New Zealand to oceans around the world

    Media release
    A world-first study of marine life, including sea creatures found in New Zealand's dark, cold, pressurised ocean depths, has revealed that deep-sea life is surprisingly more connected than previously thought.
  • RAS Bream Bay

    Cable Bacteria Biofilm Reactor for Low-Cost, Zero-Emissions Removal of Nitrate From Wastewater

    Research Project
    This research project is developing an energy-efficient, net-zero-emission process for wastewater denitrification.
  • Methane drone in action

    Methane monitoring advances promise benefits for agriculture and waste sectors

    Media release
    Accurately measuring methane emissions, verifying sources and validating efforts to reduce them.
  • MethaneSAT Mission

    Loss of contact with MethaneSAT satellite won’t stop agricultural emissions research

    Media release
    Earth Sciences New Zealand statement on loss of contact with MethaneSAT satellite. 
  • Earth Sciences

    A new era for New Zealand science

    Media release
    Today marks the first day of Earth Sciences New Zealand and the start of a new era for science.
  • NIWA’s atmospheric research station at Lauder, Central Otago

    2002 UV workshop

    2002 UV workshop presentations.
  • Photo comp winner

    Better forecasting fish abundances under climate change

    Research Project
    NIWA are developing a modelling approach to better predict fish abundances in the past, to then be able to forecast fish abundances in the future under climate change and fishing scenarios
  • Matariki star cluster

    Matariki 2025 viewing conditions

    Media release
    When will I be able to see Matariki rising?
  • Internal wave at poor knights

    The I-MIX Project

    Research Project
    How Internal wave MIXing is altered by climate change and what are the consequences for ecosystems?