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

News

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

  • Link to source page

    Dr Roberta D’Archino

    NZ waters teeming with undiscovered seaweed species, scientist says

    Media release
    03 September 2025
    Scientists believe they’re only seeing a snapshot of what could be living in our subantarctic islands and deep waters.  
    Oceans
    Marine flora

  • Link to source page

    SPREP-ESNZ-MOU

    Earth Sciences & SPREP formalise partnership for Pacific climate and environmental resilience

    News article
    01 September 2025
    Joint media release

  • Link to source page

    Earth Sciences

    Earth Sciences NZ seeks its first Chief Executive

    News article
    29 August 2025
    ‎
    About NIWA

  • Link to source page

    Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology Shane Reti shakes hands with Earth Sciences New Zealand Principal Scientist - Forecasting and Media Chris Brandolino

    Unveiling Cascade: A $35 Million Leap Towards New Zealand's Technological Future

    Media release
    27 August 2025
    New Zealand’s newest and largest supercomputer has produced its first weather forecast.
    Climate and weather
    High Performance computing

  • Link to source page

    New study reveals colossal scale of riverbank erosion during Cyclone Gabrielle

    Media release
    25 August 2025
    Over 220,000 m3 of sediment was eroded from just 9.1km of Ūawa/Hikuwai riverbanks in Gisborne (Tairāwhiti).
    Sediments
    Rivers
    Scientific Tools & Data

  • Link to source page

    Seismic reflection profiles illustrating the frontal accretionary wedge and PFSs in Nankai Trough, Japan, and Hikurangi Trough, New Zealand.

    Discovery of hidden faults sheds light on mystery of 'slow earthquakes'  

    Media release
    20 August 2025
    Scientists have uncovered a key piece of the puzzle behind the unusual ‘slow earthquakes’ occurring off the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island.  
    Geological hazards
    Earthquakes
    Tsunami

  • Link to source page

    Cyclone Gabrielle caused flooding throughout Waimauku in West Auckland.

    Rain from tropical cyclones to increase under warmer climate 

    Media release
    07 August 2025
    New high-resolution modelling predicts that rainfall from tropical cyclones will significantly increase under global warming.
    Climate change
    Climate data
    Climate modelling and projections

  • Link to source page

    Study of ancient sea creature’s DNA links New Zealand to oceans around the world

    Media release
    24 July 2025
    A world-first study of marine life, including sea creatures found in New Zealand's dark, cold, pressurised ocean depths, has revealed that deep-sea life is surprisingly more connected than previously thought.
    Oceans
    Marine invertebrates

  • Link to source page

    Methane drone in action

    Methane monitoring advances promise benefits for agriculture and waste sectors

    Media release
    10 July 2025
    Accurately measuring methane emissions, verifying sources and validating efforts to reduce them.
    Atmosphere
    Greenhouse and trace gases

  • Link to source page

    MethaneSAT Mission

    Loss of contact with MethaneSAT satellite won’t stop agricultural emissions research

    Media release
    02 July 2025
    Earth Sciences New Zealand statement on loss of contact with MethaneSAT satellite. 
    Atmosphere
    Remote sensing

  • Link to source page

    Earth Sciences

    A new era for New Zealand science

    Media release
    01 July 2025
    Today marks the first day of Earth Sciences New Zealand and the start of a new era for science.

  • Link to source page

    Matariki star cluster

    Matariki 2025 viewing conditions

    Media release
    19 June 2025
    When will I be able to see Matariki rising?
    Climate and weather