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

Cirrus halo / rainbow effect

Cirrus halo / rainbow effect framed by stratocumulus. In certain conditions cirrus and cirrostratus clouds can produce optical effects, such as halos and rainbow like patterns. Light from the sun passes through plate shaped ice crystals at specific angles, then refracts, producing a bright halo, or rainbow colours. Photo taken by Alan Blacklock in 2005.