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.

  • Native forests absorbing more carbon dioxide

    Media release
    New Zealand’s forests and other land areas may be absorbing up to 60% more carbon dioxide than has been calculated, with much of this uptake likely occurring in native forests, NIWA scientists have discovered.
  • 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.
  • Lauder Atmospheric Research Station

    UVI forecast for Specific Sites

    Check out UV index forecasts for locations in New Zealand (including ski fields), Australia, the Pacific and Antarctica.
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    Riparian management classification

    Management of stream riparian areas - including vegetation and stock access - influences the health of streams and downstream water bodies.
  • NZ temperature record

    Research Project
    There are many lines of evidence showing that NZ has warmed during the past century.
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    Kanae

    Grey mullet have a worldwide distribution and Aotearoa is at the southern limit of their range.
  • Nutrient overloading

    Nutrients in waterways are essential for the growth of algae and aquatic plants but too much can destroy an ecosystem.
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    Tau kōura sample collection and processing protocol

    Tau kōura is a traditional Māori fishing method commonly used to harvest kōura or freshwater crayfish in areas where they are abundant.
  • Nava Fedaeff presenting to Te One school.

    Educational Resources

    Education Resource
    Providing educational resources to school students and teachers is part of NIWA's commitment to helping young New Zealanders discover more about science and technology.
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    Map E South

    Education Resource
    The climate of this zone is greatly dependent on the lie of the massive Southern Alps to the west.
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    Extreme weather - heavy rainfall

    Education Resource
    Heavy rainfall is one of the most frequent and widespread severe weather hazards to affect New Zealand.
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    How can carbon emissions be weighed?

    The mass of carbon emissions can easily be calculated.