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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    HIRDSv4 Usage

    ESNZ's High Intensity Rainfall Design System (HIRDS) offers planners and engineers more certainty about the frequency of high-intensity rainfall events, enabling them to better design stormwater drainage, flood defence systems and other vital structures.
  • Working with schools

    We sponsor regional science and technology fairs around New Zealand and support learning programmes that bring science into the classroom.
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    Mean monthly wet-days

    These datasets are available in a range of formats.
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    Map I South

    Education Resource
    The climate of this zone is largely dependent on the lie of the Southern Alps to the west, but many areas are also sheltered by high country to the south and east.
  • Work-life balance

    We recognise that there's so much more to life than just work!
  • Tornado damage Whenuapai.

    Extreme weather - winds and tornadoes

    Education Resource
    Due to its position in the 'Roaring Forties', a belt of strong winds in the Southern Hemisphere which generally occur between the latitudes of 40 and 49 degrees, as well as its small size, New Zealand is a windy country.
  • 2014 UV Workshop

    Presented papers, arranged by workshop programme.
  • Drought Indicator Maps

    Up-to-date drought indicator maps are shown here.
  • 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.
  • Wave action

    Feature story
    New Zealand’s coast is sculpted by ocean waves. Some wave conditions bring joy to surfers and beachgoers, but, at other times, waves can cause major hazards at sea or along the shore.
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    RV Ikatere

    Facility
    A versatile inshore vessel, RV Ikatere is equipped with high-precision multibeam and sub-bottom profiler transducers for surveying and mapping the seabed.