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

Shortfin female eel from Lake Ōmāpere, showing ovaries

Example of a shortfin female eel from Lake Ōmāpere. The female gonad (or ovaries) runs along the backbone of the eel and looks a bit like a folded net curtain. Credit: Tracey Dalton