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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    Investigating ocean acidification

    Feature story
    The world’s oceans are acidifying as a result of the carbon dioxide (CO2) generated by humanity.
  • Lesson 9: Ngā Tohu o te Taiao – Māori environmental indicators

    Education Resource
    This lesson will explore the use of Māori environmental indicators [tohu] to anticipate local weather and climate conditions.
  • Instream barriers and altered water flow

    Instream barriers and diversions alter the natural flow of rivers, streams, and lakes.
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    Tuna - spawning grounds

    All species of freshwater tuna spawn at sea, although the spawning grounds of only four species are known with certainty worldwide.
  • Dry stock farming activities

    Dry stock farms can cover large areas of hill-country grassland that may be steep and prone to erosion.
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    Canterbury

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    Graphing with Microsoft Excel

    How do I create a graph?
    Using Microsoft® Excel is easy because the Chart Wizard does all the work for you!
    Simply enter the data for your data table.
    Highlight the cells you want to graph.
    Click on the Chart Wizard icon on the Tool Bar.
    Select the chart type you want to use and click Next.
    Click Next to confirm the range of cells.
    Give your graph a title, label x- and y-axis and click Next.
    Click on the gridlines tab to remove or add gridlines.
    Click Finish and graph is complete!
    Help, my graph is too small!
    When the chart wizard creates your graph it will probably be too smal
  • UV Index at Leigh - 17 October 2023

    Today's UV Index

    Today's UV Index
  • NZ's warmest and wettest winter on record

    Media release
    NIWA’s climate scientists can now confirm what you may have suspected. After carefully poring through more than a century’s worth of data, it has been officially determined that winter 2022 was Aotearoa New Zealand’s warmest and wettest on record.
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    Kōaro

    Kōaro are excellent climbers and like clear, swiftly flowing, forested streams.
  • Antarctic diver and jellyfish

    Statement of Core Purpose

    The Statement of Core Purpose spells out why the Government owns Crown Research Institutes and what it expects from them.
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    Map N South

    Education Resource
    As much of this climate zone is sheltered by high country to the west, south and in some areas to the east, it is the sunniest region of New Zealand.