Weather hazards

Autumn and winter rain caused damaging floods and slips across New Zealand, yet again. Susan Pepperell investigates the nation's evolving skill in avoiding and coping with water.

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.

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

Whitianga Wharf sea levels

A glossary of common climate change and meteorological terms.