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.

  • Calculated risk

    Feature story
    Imagine if you could foresee what would happen to your home in a severe flood or tsunami, and then work out how to prevent or reduce the impact before any such event occurred.
  • Dairy turns the corner

    Feature story
    NIWA's Freshwater and Estuaries Chief Scientist Dr John Quinn believes the dairy industry has been responsive in the tools it has adopted to reduce its impact on waterways.
  • New Zealand joins global seabed mapping initiative

    News article
    New Zealand joins global seabed mapping initiative
  • NIWA invests $18 million  in New Zealand’s future

    Media release
    NIWA is placing the future of New Zealanders at the heart of its operation by investing in new supercomputers that will significantly enhance scientists’ abilities to solve crucial issues facing the country.
  • Scientists eavesdrop on endangered dolphins

    News article
    The critically endangered Māui dolphin is getting a helping hand from scientists this month who are beginning a year-long research project to listen in on them.
  • (no image provided)

    Scientists set to delve into the secrets of the Cook Strait mega-canyon

    News article
  • Water abstraction and agriculture

    How do agricultural activities potentially influence water flows?
  • (no image provided)

    Further reading

    References, further reading, and links to useful websites.
  • (no image provided)

    Tuna - customary fisheries

    Māori have an extensive knowledge of the ecology of freshwater eels, and have maintained their customary fisheries for several centuries.
  • Sediment

    When soils erode, sediments are washed into waterways.
  • (no image provided)

    Exploration sector

    Hydrocarbons, although requiring increasingly responsible use, are still an essential part of our modern economy. NIWA has provided survey and consultancy services related to the exploration of offshore mineral resources for thirty years.
  • LakeSPI diver

    LakeSPI: Keeping tabs on lake health

    Software Tool/Resource
    The condition of many NZ lakes is under threat from land-use changes and the invasion of alien aquatic plants.