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.

  • 2023 so far: NZ’s record-breaking weather

    Media release
    We’re only halfway through the year, but new NIWA analysis shows some parts of New Zealand have already recorded more than a year’s worth of rain.
  • El Niño: NIWA explains

    News article
    El Niño is on its way, with whispers it could cause the Earth’s warmest ever year. But what is it? NIWA scientists tell all.
  • New maps reveal places at risk from sea-level rise

    Media release
    New maps from NIWA and the Deep South National Science Challenge show areas across Aotearoa New Zealand that could be inundated by extreme coastal flooding.
  • Raglan Wharf

    Climate change information for climate solvers

    Helping you understand the science of climate change. The things we can do to combat climate change, individually, and alongside our whānau, school and community, can and will make a difference.
  • Lake Rotorua banner image

    A framework for climate change adaptation – 'pathways thinking'

    Education Resource
    Helping you understand the science of climate change. The things we can do to combat climate change, individually, and alongside our whānau, school and community, can and will make a difference.
  • Antarctica

    Antarctica and the climate

    Education Resource
    This icy continent plays a big part in our global climate and, in turn, is directly affected by changes to the global climate – making Antarctica and the climate inextricably linked.
  • Rangiora cattle

    Climate change and agriculture

    Education Resource
    Helping you understand the science of climate change. The things we can do to combat climate change, individually, and alongside our whānau, school and community, can and will make a difference.
  • Stop bank along the Hutt River.

    Adapting to climate change

    Education Resource
    Helping you understand the science of climate change. The things we can do to combat climate change, individually, and alongside our whānau, school and community, can and will make a difference.
  • Further ice loss for NZ’s glaciers

    Media release
    NIWA’s annual end-of-summer snowline survey has revealed continued loss of snow and ice for New Zealand’s famous glaciers.
  • Hotspot Watch 31 March 2023

    Hotspot
    This is the final Hotspot Watch for this season. The Hotspot Watch will return in the spring.
  • Cyclone Gabrielle in NZ 2023

    Climate change

    Climate change effects are accelerating, driving the need for actions informed by sound climate knowledge.
  • Hotspot Watch 24 March 2023

    Hotspot
    A weekly update describing soil moisture patterns across the country to show where dry to extremely dry conditions are occurring or imminent.