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 heads to Antarctica for critical climate, ocean research

    Media release
    NIWA’s flagship research vessel Tangaroa leaves soon on a six-week voyage to Antarctica, making it one of the few full scientific expeditions to the continent since the global outbreak of COVID-19.
  • Scientist spots shark sperm storage strategy

    Feature story
    A NIWA researcher has found the first evidence that female deep sea sharks store sperm as a strategy to preserve the species and possibly avoid aggressive mating encounters.
  • NIWA science divers finish mud marathon

    Feature story
    Where there’s mud, there’s scientists. NIWA divers recently got down and dirty while completing a harbour-wide dive survey in the Wellington area.
  • Scientists unite across world for decade of ocean research

    Feature story
    In 1872 the HMS Challenger left Portsmouth in the UK on a four-year circumnavigation of the globe to explore the deepsea.
  • Watch out for jellyfish blooms

    Feature story
    Jellyfish blooms are likely to be a common sight this summer with rising ocean temperatures one of the main causes of substantial population growths.
  • Valuable work of weather volunteers

    Feature story
    A vital network of rainfall and climate station volunteers across Aotearoa send their weather measurements to NIWA every month where they are used by scientists researching New Zealand’s climate.
  • Wet, warm, cold, dry – the holidays with a bit of everything

    Media release
    In a year that has brought us a bit of everything weather-wise, we’re happy to report that Aotearoa will be on Mother Nature’s good side this holiday period — mostly.
  • Summer Series 2020

    This is a special series of stories put out to the media over the 2020/2021 summer.
  • The science behind sediment cores

    How do humans impact shallow marine environments?
  • The Gorgon’s Head

    Check out the latest critter of the deep, with Sadie Mills!
  • Emergency food rations

    These are barrels you don't want to be opening, but if things go south, it’s nice to know they’re there.
  • Scientists on the trail of elusive sperm whales

    Feature story
    Acoustic monitoring of sperm whales