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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    The formation of the Antarctic bottom water

    Blog
  • Canterbury

    All aspects of the climate of Canterbury are dominated by the influence of the Southern Alps on the prevailing westerly airflows.
  • NOAA Satellite data

    Like the GMS satellite, the NOAA Series of polar orbiting satellites (operated by NOAA, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) are a component of the World Weather Watch meteorological satellite network.
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    Further reading

    References, further reading, and links to useful websites.
  • Sediment

    When soils erode, sediments are washed into waterways.
  • Water abstraction and agriculture

    How do agricultural activities potentially influence water flows?
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    Tuna - customary fisheries

    Māori have an extensive knowledge of the ecology of freshwater eels, and have maintained their customary fisheries for several centuries.
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    Map W South

    Education Resource
    The climate of this area is greatly dependent on its exposure to weather systems from the Tasman Sea and the lie of the Southern Alps to the east.
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    Exploration sector

    Hydrocarbons, although requiring increasingly responsible use, are still an essential part of our modern economy. NIWA has provided survey and consultancy services related to the exploration of offshore mineral resources for thirty years.
  • LakeSPI diver

    LakeSPI: Keeping tabs on lake health

    Software Tool/Resource
    The condition of many NZ lakes is under threat from land-use changes and the invasion of alien aquatic plants.
  • Critter of the Week: The Gorgon’s Head - Gorgonocephalus

    A basket star was the first reported animal trawled up from the deep sea back in the early 1800s so they have a spot in the history books of deep ocean exploration.
  • Climate and weather

    Information about climate and weather and links to climate-related websites.