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.

  • Otago

    The climate of Otago is perhaps the most diverse of any region in New Zealand.
  • Generating synthetic wind data

    Research Project
    NIWA has recently created synthetic, multi-year, 10-minute wind datasets at 15 wind farm sites across New Zealand. These will be used by the Electricity Commission to model the impact of wind farms on the national grid.
  • Dry stock

    Dry stock farming consists predominantly of pasture grazing beef cattle, sheep, and deer for meat, wool, and velvet production.
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    Tuna - diet

    Longfin eels are the largest and longest-lived fish in New Zealand's freshwaters, and where they are present they are the top predator.
  • Q&A - Bloomin' algae!

    Feature story
    A hot and steamy summer saw Kiwis heading down to rivers and lakes to cool off. But they weren’t the only ones enjoying the warmer weather – algae had a great time too.
  • Carbon dioxide

    Facility
    Atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) is measured continuously at Baring Head, providing the longest running record of this type in the Southern hemisphere.
  • Lauder Atmospheric Research Station

    UVI forecast for Specific Sites

    Check out UV index forecasts for locations in New Zealand (including ski fields), Australia, the Pacific and Antarctica.
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    Riparian management classification

    Management of stream riparian areas - including vegetation and stock access - influences the health of streams and downstream water bodies.
  • NZ temperature record

    Research Project
    There are many lines of evidence showing that NZ has warmed during the past century.
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    Kanae

    Grey mullet have a worldwide distribution and Aotearoa is at the southern limit of their range.
  • Nutrient overloading

    Nutrients in waterways are essential for the growth of algae and aquatic plants but too much can destroy an ecosystem.