Climate & Weather

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

  • Climate change scenarios for New Zealand

    Research Project
    Projections of how climate change is likely to affect New Zealand.
  • 2012-2013 Drought

    The 2012-2013 drought affected the entire North Island plus the west coast of the South Island.
  • Canterbury

    All aspects of the climate of Canterbury are dominated by the influence of the Southern Alps on the prevailing westerly airflows.
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    Investigating ocean acidification

    Feature story
    The world’s oceans are acidifying as a result of the carbon dioxide (CO2) generated by humanity.
  • Manawatu-Wanganui

    The climate of the Manawatu-Wanganui region is a reflection of the generally disturbed westerly air flow with interspersed anticyclones, modified in specific places by the local topography.
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    Mean monthly rainfall (mm)

    These datasets are available in a range of formats.
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    Map North

    Education Resource
    This is a sub-tropical climate zone, with warm humid summers and mild winters.
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    Climate mapping

    Read about how NIWA can map any aspect of climate to help guide your organisation's response to a changing and variable climate.
  • Shifting Sands – the end of a Kiwi dream

    Feature story
    The Kiwi dream of owning a beachfront property with panoramic views of the ocean is under threat—and not just for financial reasons.
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    Tornadoes – how frequently do they hit New Zealand?

    News article
  • Special Climate Statement 2017-18 Summer

    Sea surface temperatures in the southern Tasman Sea rose to exceptionally high levels in late 2017 and early 2018. These temperatures were far above any others previously observed at that time of year in the region, and extended west from New Zealand to Tasmania and mainland southeast Australia.