Climate & Weather

Understanding our variable and changing climate is critical for managing resources and reducing risks.

  • It only gets brighter from tomorrow!

    Media release
    We’re here already – the shortest day is tomorrow (Saturday) and after this, it gets progressively lighter out to the longest day of the year in December.
  • Ambitious NIWA-led Antarctic Ocean project gets go-ahead

    Media release
    Understanding how the Antarctic oceans work is vital to predicting the world’s future climate and the implications of climate change for humankind and the planet.
  • Time for bold actions guided by science

    Feature story
    New Zealanders are fast becoming aware that our changing climate matters a great deal. NIWA Chief Executive John Morgan explains.
  • Our changing oceans

    Feature story
    The on-going rise of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) that is fuelling climate change is also driving significant changes in the waters off our coasts.
  • Fighting fires - one forecast at a time

    Feature story
    When fire came to Pigeon Valley, Fire and Emergency came to NIWA.
  • Climate Matters - shaping our climate solutions

    NIWA is bringing together decision makers and influencers from across New Zealand this month to shape the science we need to respond to our changing climate.
  • A bird's-eye view of our carbon balance

    Feature story
    Dr Sara Mikaloff-Fletcher is looking to turn the internationally accepted science of monitoring greenhouse gas emissions upside down – and the rest of the world is watching closely.
  • Endless summers

    Feature story
    Susan Pepperell reports on a region trying to cope with a changing climate
  • Super-model for a worldwide stage

    Feature story
    Demands for new weather and climate predictions are unprecedented as nations struggle to understand their exposure to risk from severe climatic events.
  • From Gore to NIWA via NASA

    Feature story
    A science-fiction fan, amateur actor, and eternal optimist, is now NIWA’s Chief Scientist for Climate, Atmosphere and Hazards.
    Susan Pepperell finds out more.
  • Fieldays Weather 2019: a mix of rain, sun, fog and fun

    Media release
    If you’re planning a visit to the National Agricultural Fieldays at Mystery Creek this week, here’s what you can expect from the weather.
  • Seasonal records set to fall like autumn leaves

    Media release
    With just a few days of autumn left, prolonged warm weather and less rain than normal means some spots across New Zealand are heading for the record books.