News

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

  • Taonga Species Series: Kōura

    Feature story
    What does science tell us about New Zealand freshwater crayfish?
  • Taonga Species Series: Tuna

    Feature story
    What does science tell us about New Zealand eels?
  • Scientists nurturing only plant of its kind

    Media release
    For more than 20 years NIWA scientists have been nurturing three plants that are the only examples of their kind in existence.
  • Fresh scientific scrutiny for Arrowtown air

    Media release
    NIWA scientists have set up air quality sensors every 100 metres across Arrowtown in what is believed to be the world’s densest air monitoring network.
  • Auckland’s drought most extreme in modern times

    Media release
    This is one of the most extreme drought events for Auckland in modern times and similar to one experienced in 1993/94.
  • Seven weeks of clearing the air provides huge benefits

    Media release
    Seven weeks of lockdown has provided evidence of how pollution can vanish overnight with benefits for the environment and individuals, says NIWA air quality scientist Dr Ian Longley.
  • Tangaroa heads back to sea – with social distancing

    Media release
    NIWA’s flagship research vessel Tangaroa will sail out of Wellington Harbour on Sunday for the first scientific voyage since the lockdown.
  • Hotspot Watch 7 May 2020

    Hotspot
    Please note that this will be the final Hotspot Watch update for this season. Weekly Hotspot Watches will return in the spring.
  • Scientists seek smoke sniffers

    Media release
    NIWA scientists are seeking help to sniff out smoke in a bid to help improve air quality in New Zealand.
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    Drought hits hard, far and wide

    Media release
    Analysis of drought conditions across New Zealand this year shows it is one of the most severe on record for some regions.
  • Hotspot Watch 1 May 2020

    Hotspot
    Minor to moderate soil moisture decreases across the entire North Island with severe meteorological drought in parts of northern Auckland, Coromandel and southern coast of Hawke's Bay. Drier than normal conditions are still present in the top of the South Island but significant rainfall in the west.
  • Pollution levels soar in Level 3, says NIWA

    Media release
    Traffic pollution measurements in Auckland since Level 4 restrictions were eased on Tuesday have shown levels soaring even higher than those before lockdown, NIWA air quality scientists say.