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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    Overview of SHMAK

    An overview of what the SHMAK kit comprises, and various uses for it.
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    Submerged macrophytes

    Find out more about submerged aquatic plant species.
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    Standardised Precipitation Index (SPI)

    The Standardised Precipitation Index (SPI) is a simple measure of drought (and also of very wet conditions) and is based solely on the accumulated precipitation for a given time period.
  • NIWA Instrument Systems

    Instrument Systems is a specialised technology-focused consulting group within NIWA.
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    Summer Series 10: Super snapper! Delicious!

    News article
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    Tornadoes - how frequently do they hit New Zealand?

    News article
    Tornadoes, like the one that hit Auckland's western suburbs today, are relatively rare events in New Zealand.
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    What are whitebait?

    Whitebait are the juveniles of five species of galaxiidae, a family of fish confined to the Southern Hemisphere.
  • Chemical contamination

    Chemical contaminants are chemicals toxic to plants and animals in waterways.
  • Submerged plants as bio-indicators

    Submerged plants have a number of advantages that favour their use as indicators of lake ecological condition.
  • Regional climatologies

    A regional climatology is a summary of the typical weather and climate of a region, based on historical data observations made at climate stations located within the region.
  • Atlantis ecosystem model

    Atlantis is a 3D, spatially-explicit, trophodynamic ecosystem model that integrates biology, physics, chemistry and human impacts to provide a synoptic view of marine ecosystem function.
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    Mitigation and best practice options

    Some simple steps to minimise the effects of aquaculture activities on water quality and mahinga kai.