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.

  • Assessment of crop and tree species growing potential using climate, soil and topographic information

    Research Project
    This project demonstrates how to assess high value alternative land-use options by means of a quantitative analysis of the growing potential of selected niche crops and tree species.
  • South coast waves

    Wave hazard research

    Research Project
    NIWA collects wave data, develops and verifies wave forecasting systems, and is developing and producing wave projections.
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    Definitions of drought

    There are several definitions of drought, depending upon whether it is viewed as a hazard or a risk.
  • Lesson 9: Ngā Tohu o te Taiao – Māori environmental indicators

    Education Resource
    This lesson will explore the use of Māori environmental indicators [tohu] to anticipate local weather and climate conditions.
  • 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.
  • Snow depth

    Ideas for projects using climate data

    Education Resource
    Ideas for projects using climate data
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    Nelson-Marlborough

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    NIWA staff profile: Nava Fedaeff

    Feature story
    At the age of seven, NIWA’s youngest climate scientist, Nava Fedaeff, swapped sub-arctic Siberia for balmy Auckland – and her first job was to learn to swim.
  • Marlborough

    The main characteristic of the Marlborough climate is its dryness. Summer droughts are frequent, and the region is often swept by warm, dry northwesterlies.
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    Climate change, global warming and greenhouse gases

    Climate data and common terms explaining the causes and effects of climate change.
  • NIWA weather screenshot

    UVI smartphone apps

    Several apps that provide forecasts of the UV index (UVI) are available for smartphones.