Weather hazards

Management of stream riparian areas - including vegetation and stock access - influences the health of streams and downstream water bodies.

Damming water for urban use, hydro-electric power generation, irrigation, and other industrial and commercial uses.

Stormwater poses risks to NZ’s urban streams & coastal waters, affecting ecological health & the cultural, social, & economic value of these environments.

Floods are not unusual in New Zealand, but those that hit us early this winter broke records. Why did they occur? Should we expect more? Can we predict future floods?

Dog Island levels

A glossary of common climate change and meteorological terms.

Whitianga Wharf sea levels

Information about climate and weather and links to climate-related websites.

Common questions about storms and cyclones in New Zealand.

Due to its position in the 'Roaring Forties', a belt of strong winds in the Southern Hemisphere which generally occur between the latitudes of 40 and 49 degrees, as well as its small size, New Zealand is a windy country.

Maps of the average first and last dates of soil moisture deficit are shown here.

This weekly update helps assess likelihood of extremely dry weather preceding a drought.