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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    IMG_8372, native plants in muka.JPG

    RotoTurf: Aquatic plant ‘life rafts’ in degraded lakes

    A team of NIWA freshwater ecologists are researching the use of biodegradable plant mats to help reintroduce native aquatic plants to degraded freshwater lakes in Aotearoa-New Zealand.
    Freshwater quality
    Freshwater restoration
    Lakes

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    species selector cover image

    RotoTurf Macrophyte Species Selector

    Software Tool/Resource
    A tool to select aquatic plant species that will support restoration of degraded freshwater.
    Freshwater quality
    Freshwater restoration
    Scientific Tools & Data

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    TAN2502 voyage update – 28 January 2025

    Media content
    The latest update from TAN2502 Ross Sea RV Tangaroa “ACTUATE” Voyage
    Antarctica
    Vessels

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    TAN2502 voyage update - 24 January 2025

    The latest update from TAN2502 Ross Sea RV Tangaroa “ACTUATE” Voyage
    Antarctica
    Coasts and Oceans
    Oceans

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    Mountains to the sea - Rangitata River - H Biggs

    Science sector reforms

    Media release
    23 January 2025
    The Prime Minister today announced major changes to the New Zealand science sector.

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    One of the first icebergs spotted

    TAN2502 voyage update - 20 January 2025

    The latest update from TAN2502 Ross Sea RV Tangaroa “ACTUATE” Voyage

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    TAN2502 voyage update - 17 January 2025

    The latest update from TAN2502 Ross Sea RV Tangaroa “ACTUATE” Voyage
    Antarctica

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    Tangaroa boxes in an active acoustic mooring in Terra Nova Bay in the Ross Sea.

    Antarctic voyage to venture further south than ever before

    News article
    14 January 2025
    Thirty eight scientists and crew have set sail this week for Antarctica on NIWA’s research vessel Tangaroa, with the aim of going as far south as the Ross Ice Shelf - a first for the ship.

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    Kaharoa II

    New fisheries research vessel gearing up for work

    Media release
    09 January 2025
    NIWA’s new research vessel, Kaharoa II, will be conducting ten days of sea trials out from Nelson, starting this week.

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    Coasts & Oceans

    Research outputs

    Research projects carried out under the Future Coasts programme
    Climate change
    Climate change adaptation
    Estuaries

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    Lake Ohinewai Rototurf

    Rolling life back into New Zealand’s lakes

    Media release
    16 December 2024
    NIWA is using biodegradable “life rafts” to reintroduce native plants to degraded lakes. 
    Freshwater restoration

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    Another world.. A football floated past a team of divers. Upon closer inspection, it was like a min world with pelagic crabs and barnacles making the adidas football their 'mini world. Northland.

    Scientists capture stunning snapshots

    Media release
    13 December 2024
    A unique river portrait and a humorous moment with bubbles are some of the award-winning images taken by NIWA staff this year.