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.

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    Soil Moisture Deficit (SMD)

    The 3-panel Soil Moisture Deficit (SMD) map shows the historical soil moisture deficit at the date shown (left), the soil moisture deficit at the same time last year (middle) and the current soil moisture deficit (right).
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    Horticultural activities

    Land is tilled, sowed, and harvested for horticultural crops to grow.
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    Impacts

    Diverting water changes a waterways natural flow
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    How cold is the Antarctic?

    Write a report, with guided questions, to answer the question: “How cold is the Antarctic?”
  • New Zealand Palaeotsunami Database

    Software Tool/Resource
    The New Zealand Palaeotsunami Database (Database) brings together all known information about tsunamis that occurred prior to written records.
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    Tuna - recreational fisheries

    The majority of New Zealanders are able to recall a story about catching eels when they were children.
  • Wave action

    Feature story
    New Zealand’s coast is sculpted by ocean waves. Some wave conditions bring joy to surfers and beachgoers, but, at other times, waves can cause major hazards at sea or along the shore.
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    Freshwater databases online

    More information about our online freshwater databases.
  • SolarView help

    This calculator estimates the solar energy that can be collected by a solar capture device (solar panel) at a given address, panel direction and roof slope.
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    Inanga

    Inanga are the predominant species in the modern whitebait fishery.
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    Impacts of wood processing

    Impacts of timber processing activities on water quality and mahinga kai.
  • Flood waters receding after days of heavy rain across the area.

    Flooding - how does it happen?

    Education Resource
    Understanding what happens above and below ground during a flooding event, and how it is different from normal rainfall conditions