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.

  • Understanding and predicting floods and their impacts

    Feature story
    Floods are not unusual in New Zealand, but those that hit us early this winter broke records. Why did they occur? Should we expect more? Can we predict future floods?
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    Water clarity

    Water clarity or turbidity is the cloudiness or haziness in a fluid caused by individual small particles (suspended solids).
  • Impacts of hydro

    Impacts of hydro-electric activities on water quality and mahinga kai.
  • Layers of the atmosphere

    Education Resource
    The atmosphere is comprised of layers based on temperature. These layers are the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere and thermosphere.
  • New Zealand from space

    This daily image of New Zealand from space was created using data from one of NASA's EOS satellites, collected at our receiving station in Lauder, Central Otago.
  • Atmospheric ozone, ultraviolet radiation, and stratospheric change

    Research Project
    CFCs have damaged the ozone layer and led to higher UV levels and increased health risks. Our role is to understand the causes and effects of ozone depletion, to inform the public of the risk.
  • Water diversion

    Diverting water away from its natural channel for commercial or private use.
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    Sediment and urbanisation

    How does urbanisation increase sediments in waterways?
  • Q&A - Bloomin' algae!

    Feature story
    A hot and steamy summer saw Kiwis heading down to rivers and lakes to cool off. But they weren’t the only ones enjoying the warmer weather – algae had a great time too.
  • Climate data and activities

    We provide an overview of New Zealand climate data for use in school projects.
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    Electronic Weather Station - NIWA EWS

    These gather top-quality data and are used throughout New Zealand in the National Climate Network.
  • QGIS

    QGIS is a free, open source, desktop mapping tool, widely used in New Zealand in government, research, commercial and NGO arenas.