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

Climate & Weather

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

Drought forecasting dashboard

The drought forecasting tool uses innovative climate modelling, the latest in machine learning and other data-driven techniques to predict rainfall 35 days ahead. Helping farmers and growers better prepare for periods of dryness and drought.

Climate and weather

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  • Link to source page

    National and regional climate maps

    Research Project
    Maps of average annual rainfall, temperature and other climate variables have been produced for all of New Zealand, based on the period 1981–2010.

  • Link to source page

    Effects of ocean acidification on plankton in New Zealand waters

    Research Project
    Our oceans are expected to become more acidic as carbon dioxide concentrations rise.
    Climate change
    Oceans
    Ocean acidification

  • Link to source page

    Plankton biodiversity in the Southern Ocean

    Research Project
    NIWA is conducting a five–year study to map changes in the distribution of plankton species in surface waters between New Zealand and the Ross Sea.
    Antarctica
    Climate change
    Marine invertebrates