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.

  • Removing barriers to ensure freshwater fish can complete their life cycle

    Media release
    New Zealand has just over 50 native freshwater fish species. Of these, 85 % are endemic and 75 % are deemed to be at risk of decline or are threatened.
  • Hotspot Watch 13 May 2022

    Hotspot
    A weekly update describing soil moisture patterns across the country to show where dry to extremely dry conditions are occurring or imminent.
  • Anchors cause “extensive, persistent” damage to seafloor

    Media release
    High-resolution mapping has produced the first ever global estimates of coastal habitat damage caused by anchoring.
  • Survey provides snapshot of harbour’s health

    News article
    Greater Wellington Regional Council regularly assess sediment quality and seafloor community health in the subtidal areas of Te Awarua-o-Porirua (Porirua Harbour) and Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington Harbour).
  • Guide explores the benefits of combating marine biofouling

    News article
    NIWA is contributing to an international effort to help developing countries reduce the impact of biofouling on aquatic-based industries and environments.
  • Hotspot Watch 6 May 2022

    Hotspot
    A weekly update describing soil moisture patterns across the country to show where dry to extremely dry conditions are occurring or imminent. Regions experiencing significant soil moisture deficits are deemed “hotspots”. Persistent hotspot regions have the potential to develop into drought.
  • The instruments at work - In the volcano's wake

    Our team onboard RV Tangaroa are equipped with all the tech and tools they need to explore the undersea changes caused by the devastating volcanic eruption in Tonga earlier this year.
  • Meet our staff

    Here are short profiles of some of the amazing people on board.
  • Open wide: snapper teeth secrets

    NIWA and University of Auckland masters student Georgia Third is getting up close and personal with snapper guts and teeth to understand the differences between biologically distinct snapper populations in New Zealand.
  • Voyage update - 2 May

    Tangaroa has sampled more clean seawater from a site not affected by the January 15th eruption of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai (HT-HH).
  • Voyage update - 1 May

    Tangaroa is off the west coast of Tongatapu collecting seawater to analyse for trace metal.
  • Voyage update - 30 April

    RV Tangaroa has just completed its last full day of sampling around the waters of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai (HT-HH).