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.

  • 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
  • Hotspot Watch 17 December 2020

    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.
  • Emirates Team NZ/NIWA Episode 1 Secrets of the Hauraki Gulf

  • Science for a resilient future

  • 2020 Annual Report

    Read NIWA's 2019/20 Annual Report and 2020 Year in Review.
  • Hotspot Watch 11 December 2020

    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.
  • Hoki eggs reveal their secrets

    Hoki is New Zealand's largest finfish fishery. Their eggs reveal a few secrets that surprise scientists.
  • COVID science celebrated

    Media release
    Government scientists commemorated their 2020 award winners at the annual Science New Zealand awards celebration at Parliament last week.