Atmospheric analysis

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.

The NIWA library collection contains items in a range of formats, covering subjects including atmospheric and climate research, aquaculture, oceanography, fisheries and marine sciences.

These datasets are available in a range of formats.

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

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

Tuna are found in all sorts of habitats (places), including coastal estuaries, lakes, wetlands, rivers, mountain streams and even alpine tarns.

An overview of what the SHMAK kit comprises, and various uses for it.

Find out more about submerged aquatic plant species.

NIWA’s climate scientists can now confirm what you may have suspected. After carefully poring through more than a century’s worth of data, it has been officially determined that winter 2022 was Aotearoa New Zealand’s warmest and wettest on record.

Instrument Systems is a specialised technology-focused consulting group within NIWA.

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