Climate & Weather

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

  • Southwest Pacific Tropical Cyclone Outlook update October 2017

    Media release
    Southwest Pacific Tropical Cyclone Outlook: Near-normal season expected, but with increased activity west, reduced activity east
  • Scientists mark 10th anniversary of ocean acidification research

    Media release
    A decade of scientific research into how ocean acidification is affecting New Zealand waters has led to far greater understanding of the vulnerability of our marine ecosystems, according to a newly published review.
  • Joining the flooded dots

    Feature story
    The term “joined-up government” was coined in the late 1990s to describe the coordination modern governments need to deal with large problems.
  • Breaking the ice

    Feature story
    The Deep South National Science Challenge is one of New Zealand’s most audacious collaborative projects in recent times.
  • From sea ice to sea bed

    Feature story
    Pioneering NIWA scientists are returning to the cold continent in October, this time to focus on the seabed.
  • Intensity of cyclones predicted to increase

    Feature story
    Tropical cyclones forming in the south-west Pacific are becoming less frequent but those that do form are likely to be more severe.
  • On-call forecasting helps fight fires

    Feature story
    For the past year, NIWA’s meteorologists have been on call to provide real-time, comprehensive information about weather patterns that may accelerate a fire.
  • Improved climate information and services in Vanuatu

    Feature story
    The construction of improved climate information and services in Vanuatu has posed unique logistical challenges.
  • Production of Hayward kiwifruit in Bay of Plenty at risk from climate change

    Media release
    The most commonly grown variety of kiwifruit around Te Puke will not be commercially viable in the area by the end of the century, say scientists.
  • Tiny air bubbles reveal new information about greenhouse gas emissions

    Media release
    Sitting at the surface of Taylor Glacier in Antarctica, are layers of ice more than 10,000 years old. And trapped inside those layers are bubbles of ancient air – like tiny time capsules - able to tell scientists a story about what the world used to be like and how humans have changed it.
  • Wellington will get significantly warmer, new climate change report shows

    Media release
    Wellington city will have warmer autumns, almost a month of days over 25°C and up to 10 per cent more winter rain by 2090, according to a new NIWA climate report.
  • Climate change and variability - report for the Greater Wellington Region