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.

  • NIWA Freshwater Fish Ecologist, Michele Melchior, measuring gold clams at Bob's Landing, Waikato river.

    Identifying the gold clam

    Know your invasive gold clam from your native pea clam and kaakahi/kaaeo.
  • Lake survey boat

    Invasive gold clam and kaakahi population survey

    Assessing depth specific distribution and relative abundance of gold clam and kākahi at Lakes Maraetai and Karaapiro.
  • Clam

    Using artificial samplers to test the presence and settlement of juvenile gold clams

    Filter traps are being used to study the invasive gold clam in the Waikato River.
  • Antarctic clean-up challenges

    Media release
    No detectable human-induced environmental change to the pristine Lake Vanda following the decommission of the research station.
  • Remote sensing from space

    Remote sensing

    Pioneering remote sensing for science, from satellite validation to drone platforms, marine monitoring to disaster response, and greenhouse gas tracking to solar radiation forecasting.
  • Riparian planting

    Primary sector

  • Ben in the CT room at Ruakura

    Exploring clam impact on native aquatic plants

    The invasive gold clam (Corbicula fluminea) can reach very high population densities, which can harm freshwater ecosystems.
  • Wind turbines Wellington

    AI-driven nowcasting at NIWA

    Short-term weather prediction in real time
  • Waikato River

    NIWA welcomes new name and merger date

    News article
    Merger with GNS will come into effect by 1 July.
  • Golden hour, Hen & Chick Islands

    Bold science reforms to fuel economic growth

    Media release
    An announcement from Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti
  • Experience a lifetime of coastal climate change with new online game 

    Media release
    A new online simulation game that enables New Zealanders to experience a climate-changed future and explore choices has been launched.
  • Isabelle Aduna

    Students representing New Zealand at the ‘Olympics of science fairs’ forging pathway for international recognition

    Media release
    Two students are on their way to the United States to represent New Zealand at the 'Olympics' of science fairs, the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Columbus, Ohio.