On 1 July 2025, NIWA merged with GNS Science to become Earth Sciences New Zealand.

Atmosphere

World class research contributing to our understanding of greenhouse gases, ozone depletion, and urban air pollution.

MethaneSAT

Detecting and quantifying methane emissions by satellite. The core mission of this unique satellite is to support reductions in methane emissions around the world, primarily by reducing leaks from oil and gas production. NIWA's Dr Sara Mikaloff Fletcher is leading a science programme to develop capability to map agricultural emissions and determine the best places for the satellite to look for methane emissions around the world.

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Atmosphere

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    NIWA's atmospheric research station situated at Lauder

    2006 UV workshop

    2006 UV workshop presentations.
    UV and ozone

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    Lauder UV Index sign

    Warm, dry summer ahead sparks SunSmart reminder

    Media release
    27 November 2024
    New Zealanders are likely to spend considerable time outdoors this summer, with the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) predicting warm and dry conditions across most of the motu.
    Atmosphere

  • Link to source page

    Microbes behind unprecedented surge in methane emissions

    Media release
    25 November 2024
    Microbes - such as those living in wetlands, landfills or the digestive tracts of livestock – are behind unprecedented spikes in methane emissions.
    Atmosphere
    Climate change

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    Drone measuring methane in atmosphere

    Accurate quantification of methane emissions from waste and agriculture

    Research Project
    NIWA researchers are testing new methods for quantifying methane emissions from agriculture and waste.
    Greenhouse and trace gases
    Primary sector

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    Baring Head Research station and lighthouse on a sunny day

    Greenhouse and trace gases

    NIWA carries out world-class research that contributes to our understanding of greenhouse gases, including emissions and uptake across cities, forests, farms and oceans.
    Greenhouse and trace gases

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    Side aerial shot of Lauder Atmospheric Research Station on a bright sunny day

    Atmospheric analysis

    NIWA has been using advanced scientific instruments to measure atmospheric trace gases and isotopes for over 50 years.

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    Auckland cityscape with view of Sky tower, motorway and the harbour, against clear blue skies

    Air Quality

    Understanding urban air through community-based monitoring programmes and measuring atmospheric air pollution.
    Air quality

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    Air aware: air quality lessons for teachers and experiments for curious kids

    Air Aware is a collection of air quality lessons for schools, made up of theory, videos, activities and quizzes. Air Aware is supported by MBIE’s Unlocking Curious Minds contestable fund.
    Air quality

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    UV-ozone-lauder-3.png

    UV and ozone

    CFCs have damaged the ozone layer and led to higher UV levels and increased health risks. NIWA works to understand the causes and effects of ozone depletion, to inform the public of the risk.
    UV and ozone

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    MethaneSAT Mission

    Scientists counting down to MethaneSAT satellite launch

    Media release
    16 February 2024
    NIWA scientists leading Aotearoa New Zealand’s MethaneSAT agricultural emissions science programme are gearing up for the launch of its satellite in coming weeks.
    Greenhouse and trace gases
    Remote sensing

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    Assessing post-cyclone air quality across Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay

    Assessing post-cyclone air quality across Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay

    The vast quantities of silt deposited by flooding have resulted in high levels of silt dust in the air across Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay.
    Air quality

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    Some homes contain 3 times more air pollution, NIWA finds

    Media release
    18 October 2023
    A new study from NIWA has mapped outdoor air quality for Invercargill and Alexandra in more detail than ever before.
    Air quality