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.

  • From sea ice to sea bed

    Feature story
    Pioneering NIWA scientists are returning to the cold continent in October, this time to focus on the seabed.
  • A wave of hazard research

    Feature story
    It is well known that earthquakes can trigger tsunami but they can also be caused by landslides – with devastating effects.
  • Profile: Wills Dobson - small town, huge horizons

    Feature story
    If it wasn't for a damaged shoulder, Wills Dobson wouldn't be launching weather balloons or fixing high-precision atmospheric measuring instruments.
  • Q&A: going to sea for fresh water

    Feature story
    Since the end of June, a barge has been stationed just off Wellington’s Miramar Peninsula drilling into the seabed to find an alternative water source for the city.
  • Intensity of cyclones predicted to increase

    Feature story
    Tropical cyclones forming in the south-west Pacific are becoming less frequent but those that do form are likely to be more severe.
  • On-call forecasting helps fight fires

    Feature story
    For the past year, NIWA’s meteorologists have been on call to provide real-time, comprehensive information about weather patterns that may accelerate a fire.
  • Improved climate information and services in Vanuatu

    Feature story
    The construction of improved climate information and services in Vanuatu has posed unique logistical challenges.
  • Revealing toothfish secrets

    Feature story
    The Ross Sea Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the Southern Ocean will help further research into the ecology of Antarctic toothfish.
  • WRIBO’s phoning it in

    Feature story
    A sophisticated buoy has been deployed in Wellington Harbour to “phone home” information about currents, waves and water quality in the harbour.
  • NIWA riparian survey video

    NIWA, supported by DairyNZ, are asking anyone who has planted along stream banks to take a short survey.
  • Leopard seal pup’s lungs were failing, CT scan shows

    Media release
    A leopard seal pup born off St Kilda beach, Dunedin, on Tuesday has been found to have only had 10 per cent of normal lung capacity.
  • Scientists’ stunning images

    Media release
    From the bottom of the ocean to the top of atmosphere, NIWA staff work in some of the world’s most stunning landscapes.