News

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

  • Breaking the ice

    Feature story
    The Deep South National Science Challenge is one of New Zealand’s most audacious collaborative projects in recent times.
  • From sea ice to sea bed

    Feature story
    Pioneering NIWA scientists are returning to the cold continent in October, this time to focus on the seabed.
  • A wave of hazard research

    Feature story
    It is well known that earthquakes can trigger tsunami but they can also be caused by landslides – with devastating effects.
  • Profile: Wills Dobson - small town, huge horizons

    Feature story
    If it wasn't for a damaged shoulder, Wills Dobson wouldn't be launching weather balloons or fixing high-precision atmospheric measuring instruments.
  • Q&A: going to sea for fresh water

    Feature story
    Since the end of June, a barge has been stationed just off Wellington’s Miramar Peninsula drilling into the seabed to find an alternative water source for the city.
  • Intensity of cyclones predicted to increase

    Feature story
    Tropical cyclones forming in the south-west Pacific are becoming less frequent but those that do form are likely to be more severe.
  • On-call forecasting helps fight fires

    Feature story
    For the past year, NIWA’s meteorologists have been on call to provide real-time, comprehensive information about weather patterns that may accelerate a fire.
  • Improved climate information and services in Vanuatu

    Feature story
    The construction of improved climate information and services in Vanuatu has posed unique logistical challenges.
  • Revealing toothfish secrets

    Feature story
    The Ross Sea Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the Southern Ocean will help further research into the ecology of Antarctic toothfish.
  • WRIBO’s phoning it in

    Feature story
    A sophisticated buoy has been deployed in Wellington Harbour to “phone home” information about currents, waves and water quality in the harbour.
  • Leopard seal pup’s lungs were failing, CT scan shows

    Media release
    A leopard seal pup born off St Kilda beach, Dunedin, on Tuesday has been found to have only had 10 per cent of normal lung capacity.
  • Scientists’ stunning images

    Media release
    From the bottom of the ocean to the top of atmosphere, NIWA staff work in some of the world’s most stunning landscapes.