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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  • Link to source page

    Searching southern skies

    Feature story
    04 August 2021
    For a small group of unassuming buildings nestled amongst the wide-open spaces of the Maniototo, the Lauder Atmospheric Research Station punches well above its weight.
    Atmosphere
    Greenhouse and trace gases
    UV and ozone

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    NIWA establishes first Antarctic GRUAN site

    Feature story
    27 May 2021
    A NIWA-led collaboration is seeing atmospheric measurements taken from Antarctica’s Ross Island added to a highly respected international climate data reference network.
    Antarctica
    Atmosphere
    Greenhouse and trace gases

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    Happy diamond anniversary for some laudable work

    Media release
    05 May 2021
    A Central Otago scientific research station with a globally revered reputation is marking its 60th anniversary.
    Atmosphere
    Climate and weather
    Climate change

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    Community Air Watch Arrowtown

    Research Project
    Community Air Watch Arrowtown enables members of the public to use new technologies to participate in studies of air quality.
    Air quality

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    Schools Air Watch

    Research Project
    Schools Air Watch enables school classes to use new technologies to participate in a study of air quality in their own community.
    Air quality

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    Community Air Watch Invercargill

    Research Project
    Community Air Watch Invercargill enables members of the public to use new technologies to participate in studies of air quality.
    Air quality

  • Link to source page

    Air Grid: using grid monitoring to map air quality

    Research Project
    Air quality is almost never consistent across NZ’s towns – polluted air can readily be transported on the breeze and accumulate in different locations.
    Air quality

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    Ancient kauri trees reveal a turning point in Earth’s history 42,000 years ago

    Media release
    19 February 2021
    A new international study using ancient swamp kauri from Northland shows a temporary breakdown of Earth’s magnetic field 42,000 years ago sparked major climate shifts leading to global environmental change and mass extinctions.
    Atmosphere
    Climate change

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    Fiordland air sharing secrets with scientist

    Media release
    25 November 2020
    Peter Sperlich needs a strong south-westerly and a cast iron stomach for his next scientific mission.
    Air quality
    Atmosphere

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    Subterranean sensing

    Media release
    29 October 2020
    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.
    Air quality
    Climate and weather

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    Locked down, but breathing freely

    Feature story
    28 July 2020
    Some of the most striking images of lockdown around the world have been the blue skies of cities ordinarily choking in smog. From New Delhi to Los Angeles, Beijing to Paris, the changes were so remarkable they were visible from space.
    Atmosphere
    Air quality
    Climate and weather

  • Link to source page

    Fresh scientific scrutiny for Arrowtown air

    Media release
    05 June 2020
    NIWA scientists have set up air quality sensors every 100 metres across Arrowtown in what is believed to be the world’s densest air monitoring network.
    Atmosphere
    Air quality