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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    Kōura

    There are two species of kōura or freshwater crayfish in Aotearoa.
  • Rig shark

    Research Project
    Rig shark is an important inshore commercial fish species in New Zealand, and we need to understand more about their habitats, movements, nursery grounds and vulnerability to human impacts to ensure they are managed sustainably and their productivity is enhanced.
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    Mean number of days of ground frost

    These datasets are available in a range of formats.
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    What are greenhouse gases?

    Greenhouse gases are atmospheric gases that intercept long-wave (mainly infrared) radiation emitted from the Earth's surface.
  • Lesson 2: Wind

    Education Resource
    Sometimes wind can feel like a bit of a mystery because we can feel it, but not see it.
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    Standardised Precipitation Index (SPI)

    The Standardised Precipitation Index (SPI) is a simple measure of drought (and also of very wet conditions) and is based solely on the accumulated precipitation for a given time period.
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    Rainfall Deciles (RD)

    If you list all the historic rainfall totals for a particular month and for a specific location, rank these from lowest to highest, then divide the list into ten equal parts, you have identified the ten rainfall deciles for that month and for that location.
  • New Zealand Drought Monitor

    Service
    The New Zealand Drought Monitor is a system for keeping track of drought conditions across New Zealand based on a standardised climate index.
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    Software tools

    NIWA develops and supplies custom software for environmental analysis and modelling.
  • All-sky - Lauder

    All-Sky images

    The all-sky image shows a hemispheric view of the sky at Lauder.
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    Temperature changes

    Temperature affects the number and type of animals and plants that live in a waterway.