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.

  • Science

    An overview of Science at NIWA
  • Critter of the week

    In this blog series, we feature a new critter from our expansive invertebrate collection including pictures of specimens in their unique habitat. The blogs also feature news, links and fun facts that showcase New Zealand’s fascinating marine fauna.
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    CASAL

    CASAL is an advanced software package developed by NIWA for fish stock assessment.
  • Huka Falls

    Our mission

    NIWA's mission is to conduct leading environmental science to enable the sustainable management of natural resources for New Zealand and the planet.
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    Mean monthly temperatures (°C)

    These datasets are available in a range of formats.
  • 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

  • QGIS

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

    Education Resource
    Most of this climate zone is characterised by cool coastal breezes, and absence of shelter from the unsettled weather that moves over the sea from the south and southwest.
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    What do we measure?

    Research Project
    A range of physical and chemical variables are measured in the NRWQN.