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

Identification and e-guides

Downloadable and printable guides on identification of common freshwater invertebrates found in New Zealand waterways and lakes.

Downloadable and printable guides on identification of common freshwater invertebrates found in New Zealand waterways and lakes.

Benthic macroinvertebrates guide
NIWA
Benthic macroinvertebrates are small animals living among stones, logs, sediments and aquatic plants on the bottom of streams, rivers and lakes.

Download:

Benthic Macroinvertebrates Field ID Guide (PDF 8.7 MB)
Periphyton guide cover
NIWA
Periphyton is algae that attaches or clings to plants and other objects projecting above the bottom sediments in streams and rivers.

Download:

Periphyton ID Guide (PDF 2.6 MB)
Book: Stream Health Monitoring and Assessment Kit

NIWA Contacts