Atmospheric analysis

An increase in soil moisture in many areas across the North Island, including Northland, Auckland, Waikato, eastern Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, and Taranaki. No significant change in the South Island. Outlook is for low to moderate rainfall, countrywide.

NIWA today released its March Climate Summary which confirms temperatures during the first month of autumn were at record highs in many places.

Foreign marine pests can threaten our marine life and it’s important to find them early before they can set up home here.

The tiny inanga have been plucked from Waikato streams and held in a darkened laboratory for the last month, undertaking highly advanced testing to find the strongest, fittest and fastest fish.

Hotspots continue to be found across a large part of Northland, Auckland, northern Waikato, and interior Bay of Plenty, as well as central Manawatu-Whanganui and Napier south to Wairarapa. South Island hotspots are currently located in a portion of interior Marlborough, eastern Banks Peninsula, south coastal Otago and parts of lower Southland.

Hazardous and murky conditions in our ports and marinas can make it challenging for divers to carry out important biosecurity inspections for introduced pest species. NIWA scientists are pioneering the use of underwater remote operated vehicle (ROV) technology to improve surveillance checks.

In a secret training location on the outskirts of Hamilton, a squad of whitebait is being put through its paces by fish scientists.

Project updates

Hotspots are now located across the majority of Northland, Auckland, northern Waikato, and interior Bay of Plenty, as well as central Manawatu-Whanganui and Napier south to Wairarapa. South Island hotspots are now located in a portion of interior Marlborough, eastern Banks Peninsula, and the lower Southland coast.

CarbonWatchNZ will address crucial carbon cycle questions in the three landscapes that are most important to New Zealand’s carbon balance: forest, grassland and urban environments.

Weaving whakapapa and science together to trace tsunami through history.