Weather hazards

It is well known that earthquakes can trigger tsunami but they can also be caused by landslides – with devastating effects.

For the past year, NIWA’s meteorologists have been on call to provide real-time, comprehensive information about weather patterns that may accelerate a fire.

Imagine if you could foresee what would happen to your home in a severe flood or tsunami, and then work out how to prevent or reduce the impact before any such event occurred.

NIWA is placing the future of New Zealanders at the heart of its operation by investing in new supercomputers that will significantly enhance scientists’ abilities to solve crucial issues facing the country.

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

Whitianga Wharf sea levels

A glossary of common climate change and meteorological terms.

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.