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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    NZ Drought indicator products and information

    Drought is a common feature of New Zealand's climate. On average, every year or two somewhere in New Zealand experiences a drought.
  • Post-Doctoral Fellowships

    Post-Doctoral Fellowship positions at NIWA.
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    Kākahi

    The kākahi or freshwater mussel was a valuable mahinga kai resource for many Māori.
  • Library

    Service
    The NIWA library collection contains items in a range of formats, covering subjects including atmospheric and climate research, aquaculture, oceanography, fisheries and marine sciences.
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    Mean monthly sunshine (hours)

    These datasets are available in a range of formats.
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    Map E North

    Education Resource
    Sheltered by high country to the west, the eastern zone of the North Island enjoys a dry, sunny climate.
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    Droughts

    Generally speaking, a drought is defined as a rainfall deficit which restricts or prevents a human activity – for example, farming or power generation.
  • 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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    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.