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.

  • Look out for leopard seals

    Media release
    Beachgoers are being asked to look out for leopard seals over summer and report sightings as soon as possible.
  • Summer Series 2017 - Spectacular scenes under the ice

    Feature story
    In October a team of scientists from New Zealand and Finland travelled to Antarctica for a scientific diving expedition under the ice.
  • The science

    Read about the science that will be undertaken during the voyage.
  • Voyage overview

    Read details about the aims of the voyage and find information about the scientists and crew on board.
  • Image gallery

    A selection of images from the voyage. We will be adding images as they are sent back from the vessel.
  • NIWA's Hotspot Watch for 11 January 2018

    Hotspot
    A weekly update describing soil moisture across the country to help assess whether severely to extremely dry conditions are occurring or imminent. Regions experiencing these soil moisture deficits are deemed “hotspots”. Persistent hotspot regions have the potential to develop into drought.
  • Partners and funding

    The voyage is supported by funding from NIWA, MBIE, the Deep South National Science Challenge and the University of Auckland.
  • Summer series 2017 - Sailing the Southern Ocean - a scientific odyssey

    Media release
    NIWA’s research vessel Tangaroa sets off for a six-week voyage to Antarctica in February. Six of those aboard explain what they’re doing, what they’re worried about and the one thing they wouldn’t be without.
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    Research projects

  • Summer Series 2017 - Citizen scientists take on Hutt River

    Feature story
    A group of volunteers who love the Hutt River are helping to care for it over summer.
  • 2018 - Chatham Rise hoki survey

    Voyage
    NIWA research ship Tangaroa has been chartered by the Ministry of Primary Industries to survey the Hoki fishery on the Chatham Rise during January and early February 2018.