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.

  • Environmental flows

    This programme is focussed on understanding the effects of human use of surface and groundwater systems to inform more sustainable water allocation decisions that benefit ecosystems and communities.
  • Hydrological observations and predictions

    How much water is in our rivers and groundwater aquifers, how has that has changed over time and how might it change in the future?
  • Freshwater programme overview

    NIWA's Freshwater Centre organises its work around seven research programmes.
    See the following pages to find out more about our research.
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    Scientists discover freshwater flows affect polar oceanic microbes

    News article
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    First sighting of volcano responsible for undersea eruption

    News article
  • Reclassifying karengo (nori)

    Research Project
    The seaweed known colloquially as nori in Japanese - used for making sushi - or karengo in Maori has been reclassified by an international team of scientists including NIWA's Dr Wendy Nelson.
  • Globalisation of aquatic plant pests

    Research Project
    New Zealand's geographic isolation and relatively recent colonization provide the opportunity for a unique genetic analysis of plant movement patterns to be explored.
  • Sedimentation in New Zealand estuaries

    Research Project
    Estuaries in New Zealand are experiencing sedimentation at higher rates than before humans arrived here: this represents a loss both for land and estuary productivity. We need to better understand what has been happening so that we can predict the future and fight these losses.
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    Southwest Pacific Tropical Cyclone Outlook: Near average or slightly above average numbers for many islands likely, and increased activity in the late season near Tonga and Niue

    News article
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    NIWA’s Kaharoa sets sail to deploy robots across the Pacific Ocean

    News article
  • A haul of hoki.

    Fisheries and EcoConnect

    Service
    EcoConnect provides the New Zealand fishing industry with a unique operational decision-making tool to help mitigate commercial, operational, and environmental risk.
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