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.

  • Hotspot Watch 5 November 2020

    Hotspot
    In the North Island, moderate rainfall amounts of generally 25-50 mm occurred across much of Northland and Auckland during the past week, with generally 15-30 mm for much of the western North Island and the western Wellington Region. Conversely, the east coast (including Wairarapa) saw generally light rainfall amounts.
  • Hotspot watch 29 October 2020

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

    Media release
    Once a year, technicians from NIWA’s North Island Field Team don helmets and head lamps to check a network of CO2 sensors in the world-renowned Waitomo Caves. The sensors help make sure that heavy breathing visitors aren’t wrecking the caves’ precious natural structures and microclimate.
  • Tropical cyclone outlook Nov 2020 - Apr 2021

  • Hotspot Watch 22 October 2020

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

    An interactive guide to the sea slugs of New Zealand.
  • Major advancements in the growing aquaculture sector

    Aquaculture scientist Dr Alvin Setiawan talks about NIWA's Northland Marine Research Centre.
  • How to farm fish on land

    Dr Alvin Setiawan talks about recirculating aquaculture systems.
  • Critter of the deep - Episode 3: Sea spider

    Sea spiders look similar to land spiders, but they are in their own special group.
  • Dr Jade Maggs talks about reef sharks

    A global survey involving 123 scientists from 58 nations raises concerns about the global status of reef sharks.
  • Scientists use an autonomous vessel

    A six metre-long autonomous trimaran fitted out with a NIWA echosounder is being used as part of an innovative research collaboration.
  • Richard O'Driscoll - Fisheries scientist

    Richard O'Driscoll is principal scientist and the program leader for stock assessment and monitoring.