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.

  • Social science - banner image

    Social science

    NIWA's team of social scientists and economists work with diverse communities and stakeholders to ensure sustainable policy, adaptation and transition decision making.
  • scientific tools and data - banner image

    Scientific Tools & Data

    NIWA offers a diverse range of scientific tools and data to support research, analysis, education and exploration across various fields of science and environmental studies.
  • Tonga eruption caused fastest ever underwater flow

    Media release
    The 2022 Tonga volcanic eruption triggered the fastest underwater flow ever recorded.
  • Renewable energy

    Energy

    Over 80 percent of the electricity generated in Aotearoa NZ comes from renewable sources – wind, sun and water. Understanding the effects of our changing climate on our hydro lakes and wind and solar generation potential will help us increase renewable energy generation.
  • Citizen science in Hutt river

    Citizen science

    Increasing interest in citizen science is benefitting environmental monitoring. At NIWA, citizen data supplements professional data, meaning more data collection overall.
  • Early and long-lasting ozone hole, forecasts NIWA

    Media release
    The Antarctic ozone hole typically reaches its greatest extent in September or October and disappears in November or December.
  • Higher and drier – the cost of raising homes

    Media release
    New research shows that in some cases, lifting houses may be a cost-effective way to reduce intermittent flooding risk.
  • Wellington study could improve worldwide access to coastal freshwater

    Media release
    A new NIWA study in Wellington Harbour will help scientists find untapped drinking water around the world.
  • Pacific atoll mangrove forests losing ground to sea-level rise

    Research Project
    Mangrove systems on oceanic atolls may lose the race to keep pace with sea-level rise.
  • Extreme weather research gets a boost

    Media release
    NIWA has launched a $5 million per year package of new projects aiming to tackle some of New Zealand’s most pressing challenges, including responding to and preparing for extreme weather events.
  • New creature catalogue compiled to aid conservation

    Media release
    A new database describing marine species has been released to assist conservation.
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    Help using the National Climate Database (CliFlo)