News

Read about the important science being undertaken at NIWA, and how it affects New Zealanders

  • Watch out for jellyfish blooms

    Feature story
    Jellyfish blooms are likely to be a common sight this summer with rising ocean temperatures one of the main causes of substantial population growths.
  • Valuable work of weather volunteers

    Feature story
    A vital network of rainfall and climate station volunteers across Aotearoa send their weather measurements to NIWA every month where they are used by scientists researching New Zealand’s climate.
  • Wet, warm, cold, dry – the holidays with a bit of everything

    Media release
    In a year that has brought us a bit of everything weather-wise, we’re happy to report that Aotearoa will be on Mother Nature’s good side this holiday period — mostly.
  • Scientists on the trail of elusive sperm whales

    Feature story
    Acoustic monitoring of sperm whales
  • Hotspot Watch 17 December 2020

    Hotspot
    A weekly update describing soil moisture patterns across the country to show where dry to extremely dry conditions are occurring or imminent. Regions experiencing significant soil moisture deficits are deemed “hotspots”. Persistent hotspot regions have the potential to develop into drought.
  • Hotspot Watch 11 December 2020

    Hotspot
    A weekly update describing soil moisture patterns across the country to show where dry to extremely dry conditions are occurring or imminent. Regions experiencing significant soil moisture deficits are deemed “hotspots”. Persistent hotspot regions have the potential to develop into drought.
  • COVID science celebrated

    Media release
    Government scientists commemorated their 2020 award winners at the annual Science New Zealand awards celebration at Parliament last week.
  • Hotspot Watch 4 December 2020

    Hotspot
    Significant rainfall amounts of 30-70 mm occurred in western Waikato, Taranaki, Wairoa District, and Wellington, during the past week, with a few locations in these areas receiving up to 100 mm.
  • 2020 in top 10 warmest years for New Zealand

    Media release
    This year is on track to be one of New Zealand’s top 10 warmest on record, according to NIWA forecasters.
  • Hotspot Watch 27 November 2020

    Hotspot
    A weekly update describing soil moisture patterns across the country to show where dry to extremely dry conditions are occurring or imminent.
  • Fiordland air sharing secrets with scientist

    Media release
    Peter Sperlich needs a strong south-westerly and a cast iron stomach for his next scientific mission.
  • Hotspot Watch 19 November 2020

    Hotspot
    A weekly update describing soil moisture patterns across the country to show where dry to extremely dry conditions are occurring or imminent. Regions experiencing significant soil moisture deficits are deemed “hotspots”. Persistent hotspot regions have the potential to develop into drought.