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.

  • New Zealand streamflow depletion model: A tool for sustainable water resource management

    As the concerns over water resources and the environment increase, the importance of combined water management, which acknowledges the integrated nature of groundwater and surface water, and manages them as a single resource, is critical to sustain both human society and aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
  • Colonial ascidians (grapes), crinoids (feather stars) and primnoid corals (orange) make up part of the Ross Sea ecosystem

    Biological traits

    Software Tool/Resource
    Biological traits analysis is a valuable tool for measuring ecosystem function
  • Albatross Cook Strait

    Our mission

    NIWA’s mission is to support the wellbeing of Aotearoa New Zealand’s people and businesses through improved management of the environment, sustainable use of natural resources, and effective responses to global change.
  • Our company

    NIWA, the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, is a Crown Research Institute established in 1992. It operates as a stand-alone company with its own Board of Directors and Executive.
  • Aquaculture

    Aquaculture

    Supporting the sustainable growth of New Zealand’s aquaculture industry.
  • 2022-23 Summer Climate Summary from NIWA Meteorologist/Forecaster Ben Noll

    It has been a summer to remember, but not in a good way.
  • In numbers: New Zealand’s wild summer weather

    Media release
    It has been a summer to remember, but not in a good way.
  • Hotspot Watch 2 March 2023

    Hotspot
    A weekly update describing soil moisture patterns across the country to show where dry to extremely dry conditions are occurring or imminent.
  • Tangaroa boxes in an active acoustic mooring in Terra Nova Bay in the Ross Sea

    Research Vessel Tangaroa

    Facility
    RV Tangaroa is New Zealand’s only ice strengthened and dynamically positioned deep-water research vessel.
  • TAN2301 Antarctic Voyage

    Antarctica

    Supporting research on Antarctic atmospheric processes and aquatic ecosystems.
  • Vessels banner image

    Vessels

    NIWA's vessels are world class environmental monitoring and research platforms.
  • Hotspot Watch 24 February 2023

    Hotspot
    A weekly update describing soil moisture patterns across the country to show where dry to extremely dry conditions are occurring or imminent.