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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    Tuna - tuna heke (downstream migrants)

    Once eels become migrants (also known as tuna heke or tuna whakaheke) they stop feeding, and progressively develop the external features that clearly distinguish them from 'feeders'.
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    West Coast

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    New map reveals New Zealand’s seafloor in stunning detail

    News article
  • Loss of riparian vegetation

    Plants and trees along the water margins and banks are called riparian vegetation.
  • Hydro

    Hydro-electricity is a renewable energy source that relies on the inflow of water into storage lakes upstream of a dam.
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    Mean daily maximum temperatures (°C)

    These datasets are available in a range of formats.
  • Nutrients and wastewater

    How do nutrients from wastewater treatment enter waterways?
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    Definitions of drought

    There are several definitions of drought, depending upon whether it is viewed as a hazard or a risk.
  • Assessment of crop and tree species growing potential using climate, soil and topographic information

    Research Project
    This project demonstrates how to assess high value alternative land-use options by means of a quantitative analysis of the growing potential of selected niche crops and tree species.
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    Piharau

    Piharau/kanakana are an important mahinga kai species and a prized delicacy for many Māori.
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    Invertebrates and stream health

  • Compound Specific Isotope Analysis (CSIA)

    Compound specific stable isotope analysis techniques are an increasingly useful tool to address many ecological and environmental research questions.