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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    Effects of ocean acidification on plankton in New Zealand waters

    Research Project
    Our oceans are expected to become more acidic as carbon dioxide concentrations rise.
    Climate change
    Oceans
    Ocean acidification

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    Contamination early-warning system for commercial shellfish harvest

    Research Project
    Contamination of shellfish by faecal microbes is a health hazard to the consumer and so is of particular concern to the commercial producer.

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    Indirect methods for assessing fish occurrence

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    DSS for setting turbidity limits at base flows

    DSS for setting turbidity limits at base flows

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    DSS for setting turbidity limits at peak flows

    DSS for setting turbidity limits at peak flows

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    About the Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR)

    Plankton

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    Plankton biodiversity in the Southern Ocean

    Research Project
    NIWA is conducting a five–year study to map changes in the distribution of plankton species in surface waters between New Zealand and the Ross Sea.
    Antarctica
    Climate change
    Marine invertebrates

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    Predicting long-term contaminant accumulation in the central Waitemata and southeastern Manukau Harbours

    Research Project
    This project was undertaken for Auckland Regional Council to identify significant sources of contaminants in the central Waitemata and southeastern Manukau Harbours.
    Coasts
    Ocean modelling
    Pollution

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    Stocktake of diffuse pollution attenuation tools for New Zealand pastoral farming systems

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    Resources

    Guides and other tools

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    Estimating deposited fine sediment

    Quorer: a simple method for estimating deposited fine sediment

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    Setting maximum turbidity levels for riverine fish (DSS)

    NIWA research has established turbidity limits to protect fish in New Zealand rivers.