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.

  • Freshwater fish species list

    A list all of New Zealand's freshwater fish species.
  • West Coast

    West Coast is New Zealand’s wettest region, and this may be attributed to its exposure to the predominant westerly airflow over the country, combined with the orographic effect of the Southern Alps.
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    What are whitebait?

    Whitebait are the juveniles of five species of galaxiidae, a family of fish confined to the Southern Hemisphere.
  • Chemical contamination

    Chemical contaminants are chemicals toxic to plants and animals in waterways.
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    Tuna - habitat

    Tuna are found in all sorts of habitats (places), including coastal estuaries, lakes, wetlands, rivers, mountain streams and even alpine tarns.
  • Estimating design wind speeds in complex terrain

    Research Project
    The current method for calculating wind speed-up is inadequate, and can grossly under-predict correct design wind speeds in NZ's complex terrain.
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    Water resources and mining

    How may the activities of the mining industry influence water resources?
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    Mean 10cm earth temperature (°C)

    These datasets are available in a range of formats.
  • Tropical Cyclone Hamish

    Southwest Pacific Tropical Cyclone Outlook

    Publication series
    A summary of up-coming tropical cyclone seasons, issued 6-monthly.
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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.
  • SolarView example

    An illustrated example, showing how to input data and interpret SolarView results.