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.

  • Five more days from the official hottest summer on record

    Media release
    Despite a sub-tropical storm and two ex-tropical cyclones, this summer is about to become the hottest in history.
  • Blog: atmospheric gas measurements - 21 February

    21 February 2018John McGregor from NIWA checks on the instruments that measure atmospheric gases throughout our voyage.
  • Blog: hospital tour - 20 February

    20 February 2018On trips that take us away to isolated places we need to take a Medical Doctor, just in case anyone requires emergency medical or surgical treatment.
  • Blog: mooring deployments in the Ross Sea - 19 February

    19 February 2018It is -4 degrees outside and our third day of intensive oceanographic work continues.
  • Auckland region climate change projections and impacts | Auckland Council

  • Blog: approaching the Ross Sea - 16 February

    16 February 2018We are getting to the end of our transit south, which means today was the last of our daily emergency drills.
  • Scientists send snapper to boot camp

    Media release
    At a laboratory just outside Whangarei, scientists are putting very young snapper through comprehensive physical testing - including a full medical check-up involving smell, hearing, vision, and even anxiety testing.
  • Blog: Spectacular view of Antarctica - 18 February

    18 February 2018The fog has cleared and we have a spectacular view of the continent of Antarctica today, from Cape McCormick to Cape Adare.
  • Blog: The Toolbox meeting - 17 February

    17 February 2018 Every day at noon everyone on the ship gathers on the bridge for a toolbox meeting to discuss the work ahead of us for the day.
  • Blog: Our first icebergs - 15 February

    15 February 2018Our first icebergs
  • Blog: Night patrol and iceberg spotting - 14 February

    14 February We are not far enough south yet to have 24 hours of daylight so it is still getting dark at night, albeit a bit later than in Wellington right now.
  • Warmer seas make whales more difficult to find and track

    Media release
    A two-week expedition to tag blue whales in New Zealand waters for the first time, almost came up empty due to warmer sea temperatures causing the animals to change their behaviour.