News

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

  • Tonga eruption caused fastest ever underwater flow

    Media release
    The 2022 Tonga volcanic eruption triggered the fastest underwater flow ever recorded.
  • Early and long-lasting ozone hole, forecasts NIWA

    Media release
    The Antarctic ozone hole typically reaches its greatest extent in September or October and disappears in November or December.
  • Higher and drier – the cost of raising homes

    Media release
    New research shows that in some cases, lifting houses may be a cost-effective way to reduce intermittent flooding risk.
  • Wellington study could improve worldwide access to coastal freshwater

    Media release
    A new NIWA study in Wellington Harbour will help scientists find untapped drinking water around the world.
  • Extreme weather research gets a boost

    Media release
    NIWA has launched a $5 million per year package of new projects aiming to tackle some of New Zealand’s most pressing challenges, including responding to and preparing for extreme weather events.
  • New creature catalogue compiled to aid conservation

    Media release
    A new database describing marine species has been released to assist conservation.
  • Government review of weather forecasting system

    Media release
    – Statement by NIWA Chief Executive John Morgan
  • Fascinating finds from NIWA’s annual squid survey

    Media release
    Earlier this month, NIWA welcomed the Auckland University of Technology ‘Squid Squad’ – a team of scientists from the Lab for Cephalopod Ecology and Systematics – to unbox and categorise cephalopod species taken from voyages around the country.
  • Matariki viewing prospects 2023

    Media release
    NIWA meteorologists say people living in the North Island are likely to get the best views of the Matariki star cluster, particularly on Friday morning.
  • 2023 so far: NZ’s record-breaking weather

    Media release
    We’re only halfway through the year, but new NIWA analysis shows some parts of New Zealand have already recorded more than a year’s worth of rain.
  • El Niño: NIWA explains

    News article
    El Niño is on its way, with whispers it could cause the Earth’s warmest ever year. But what is it? NIWA scientists tell all.
  • Twenty thousand leagues under the sea: Uncovering mysteries of the deep ocean

    Media release
    Scientists have returned from a 14-day expedition to one of the most unexplored parts of the ocean.