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.

  • Handwritten files provide sediment treasure chest

    Media release
    A NIWA scientist who spent years poring over handwritten scientific notes stored in about 50 large wooden drawers, has seen the fruits of her labour now being used in ways she never imagined.
  • 2018 NIWA staff photo competition

    This year the competition attracted more than 400 entries from staff capturing the beauty of New Zealand’s natural features, NIWA’s work and rarely seen creatures.
  • NIWA staff capture incredible images

    Media release
    Once, or twice a year, when the tides and moon align, the brightly coloured jewel anemone will spawn, sending trails into the ocean in a spectacle that few get to witness.
  • Busy season for NIWA scientists in Antarctica

    Media release
    The new science season at Antarctica is just a few days away from opening and NIWA researchers are busy packing containers and shipping them to the ice where they will be reunited with them in the coming months.
  • Te Huringa ki te Rangi – He Rautaki Tāwariwari

    Te Huringa ki te Rangi is a decision-making model to support indigenous and coastal communities.
  • Sudden spring sun for south

    Media release
    A cool start to spring is about to be replaced by a sudden burst of warmth, according to NIWA meteorologist Ben Noll.
  • North Harbour’s next top scientists display their talents

    Media release
    Students have been combing their creative and practical sides in the lead up to this year’s NIWA North Harbour Science and Technology Fair.
  • Wellington’s next top scientists compete

    Media release
    Students are a sceptical lot going by the entry titles into this year’s NIWA Wellington Regional Science and Technology Fair.
  • Migratory fish get helping hand

    Feature story
    Humans don't always make it easy on fish to get where they are going. New Zealand's first national set of Fish Passage Guidelines – co-developed by NIWA - is expected to help.
  • Glossary

    This page provides definitions for words and terms used frequently in relation to climate change and global climate modelling
  • Auckland students gear up for science fair

    Media release
    First-time science fair entrants Oliver Gunson and Jayden Kumar are on a mission to help reduce skin cancer rates caused by New Zealand’s harsh sun.
  • Know your dolphin by the fin, says NIWA scientist

    Media release
    Identifying dolphins using photos of the unique pigment patterns on their fins can be used to help in the management of a species, says a NIWA scientist.