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

Applying for vessel time

Find out how you can have access to Earth Science NZ's research vessels to carry out marine research voyages.

The Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment contracts Earth Sciences New Zealand to provide access for New Zealand based research organisations to the research vessel, Tangaroa as a national facility to undertake marine research. Every second year MBIE also support a dedicated Antarctic Voyage.

Parties using vessel time are required to separately fund the research costs of projects (e.g., science personnel and equipment) and activities undertaken on board RV Tangaroa. It is expected that voyages are aligned with New Zealand’s marine research strategies and priorities, and Antarctic work with the Aotearoa New Zealand Antarctic Research Directions and Priorities.

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

MBIE RV Tangaroa Antarctic Research Voyages [CLOSED]

Expression of Interest for Supplementary Science.

Voyage January/February 2027 and 2029 (exact dates to be determined)

Open Date         22 September, 2025

Closing date     7 November, 2025, Midnight NZDT

APPLY

Additional information for applicants [215KB]

MBIE RV Tangaroa Ship Days [CLOSED]

Expression of Interest for ship days on RV Tangaroa.

Open Date         22 September, 2025

Closing date     14 November, 2025, Midnight NZDT

APPLY

Additional information for applicants [173 KB]

For more information