News

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

  • Hotspot Watch 20 November 2019

    Hotspot
    Across the North Island, soil moisture levels increased in many places during the past week. In the South Island, soil moisture levels generally decreased in the east and a slightly increased in the west.
  • Hotspot Watch 14 November 2019

    Hotspot
    Across the North Island, moderate to large increases in soil moisture levels were observed in most locations due to substantial rainfall in the past week. In the South Island, soil moisture levels increased everywhere during the past week, and significantly so in many places.
  • Scientists brave winter in Antarctic waters

    Media release
    The New Zealand ship Janas has recently returned from a six-week winter research voyage to the Ross Sea where scientists made the first observations of developing Antarctic toothfish embryos.
  • Hotspot Watch 6 November 2019

    Hotspot
    Across the North Island, soil moisture levels decreased everywhere during the past week due to meagre rainfall and above average temperatures. The most significant decreases were observed across the northern half of the North Island, where soil moisture levels are now below normal nearly everywhere from Northland to Waikato and Bay of Plenty.
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    NIWA to survey young snapper in Hauraki Gulf

    Media release
    NIWA is heading out into the Hauraki Gulf this month to carry out a survey of juvenile snapper– the first of its kind for 20 years.
  • Hotspot Watch 1 November 2019

    Hotspot
    Across the North Island, soil moisture levels generally decreased slightly during the past week. In the South Island, soil moisture levels decreased slightly in most locations during the past week, although slight increases were observed in coastal Otago and Southland.
  • Hot weekend awaits

    Media release
    This weekend, after a rather cool October, the beginning of November brings out the heat.
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    ‘Blooming heck’ - Microalgae feature in latest biodiversity memoir

    Feature story
    A group of microscopic algae that form vast aquamarine blooms off the east coast is the subject of NIWA’s latest Biodiversity Memoir
  • Leopard seal Owha injured in Auckland Harbour

    Media release
    Researchers are keeping a close eye on Owha, the leopard seal that has made Auckland Harbour her home, after she was seen bleeding from her face on Saturday morning.
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    Fish snack on microplastics

    Media release
    Research shows how fish are being affected by microplastics.
  • Researchers seek help on lobster catches

    Media release
    NIWA researchers are seeking the help of divers, snorkellers and lobster potters in the Hauraki Gulf and Bay of Plenty to learn more about how rock lobster are faring.
  • Scientists share stunning images

    Media release
    Castle Hill attracts two types of enthusiasts – climbers and astrophotographers...