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

Hazards

NIWA researchers study geological, weather and coastal hazards, including the impact of climate change on some of these.

  • Revealing Kapiti Island's submarine landscape

    Research Project
    We are using modern techniques to map seafloor surrounding Kapiti Island, an area of significant cultural and environmental value to New Zealand.
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    Is extreme weather the new normal?

    News article
    New Zealanders have just experienced one of the driest summers on record – great for beachgoers and cricket lovers, but far from ideal for farmers and orchardists relying on rain to maintain productivity.
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    France, New Zealand co-operate for a better future for a Samoan village

    Media release
    A unique pilot project to help Samoa’s largest village better cope with natural disaster is the focus of an upcoming exhibition at the Museum of Samoa timed to coincide with a major United Nations conference in Apia.
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    New Zealand facing greater weather extremes: international report

    News article
    New Zealand will get hotter, have more heavy rainfalls, and experience more days when the fire risk is extreme, the latest international report on climate change impacts reveals.
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    Scientists helping to create safer communities

    News article
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    Scientists assess earthquake potential of faults close to West Coast

    News article
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    2013 - Kaikoura tsunami risks

    News article
    Surveying work carried out by NIWA scientists this week is helping provide new insights into the tsunami risk from undersea landslides in the Kaikoura Canyon.
  • Oceans 20/20

    Research Project
    The Ocean Survey 20/20 (OS 20/20) programme aims to provide NZ with better knowledge of its ocean territory.
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    NIWA maps Mt Tongariro ash cloud shortly after the eruption

    News article
    These latest infra-red satellite images of ash clouds over New Zealand were created using the NOAA 18 and 19 satellites. 
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    Looking to the past for a complete record of earthquakes in Poverty Bay

    News article
  • Submarine faulting beneath Pegasus Bay

    Research Project
    In September 2010 and February 2011, two devastating earthquakes (M7.1 and M6.3 respectively) hit the Canterbury region