News

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

  • Unique research records rare whale species in Cook Strait

    Media release
    The sounds of whales and dolphins rarely seen in New Zealand waters have been recorded by a NIWA scientist in a pioneering underwater sound project.
  • NIWA launches New Zealand Drought Index - a one-stop drought monitor

    Media release
    A new tool to monitor drought conditions across New Zealand has been launched today by NIWA.
  • NIWA research vessel surveying fish in Tasman and Golden Bays

    Media release
    Boaties in Tasman and Golden Bays are likely to notice a larger than usual vessel working close to shore over the next few days.
  • Hotspot Watch for 16 March 2017

    Hotspot
    A weekly update describing soil moisture across the country to help assess whether severely to extremely dry conditions are occurring or imminent. 
  • The Tasman Tempest takes its toll - time to tally up

    Media release
    As the Tasman Tempest headed east off New Zealand today, it’s time to look at the statistics and see how many records it washed away.
  • Meteorological March Madness

    Media release
    NIWA meteorologist Ben Noll says parts of the upper North Island have received more rain in two days than normally falls for the entire month.
  • NIWA's Hotspot Watch for 2 March 2017

    Hotspot
    A weekly update describing soil moisture across the country to help assess whether severely to extremely dry conditions are occurring or imminent.
  • (no image provided)

    Wellington's summer was bad, but not as bad as you think—honest

    Media release
    Summer officially ends tomorrow but for Wellingtonians it feels like it’s only just getting started. NIWA meteorologist Ben Noll explains what went wrong.
  • Massive mudslides in Kaikōura Canyon destroy seabed life

    Media release
    Huge mudslides from November’s earthquakes have wiped out all organisms living in the seabed of the Kaikōura Canyon.
  • Hotspot Watch for 23 Feb 2017

    Hotspot
    A weekly update describing soil moisture across the country to help assess whether severely to extremely dry conditions are occurring or imminent.
  • World-leading climate change research

    News article
    Effects of climate change on fish are being studied at NIWA's Northland Marine Research Centre.
  • Sustaining the sea

    Feature story
    We examine how the Sustainable Seas National Science Challenge plans to enhance the use of marine resources within biological constraints.