Research

Māui dolphins, a subspecies of Hector’s dolphins, are listed as nationally critical in New Zealand with a population estimate between 57 and 75 dolphins over one year old.

Biological traits analysis is a valuable tool for measuring ecosystem function.

NIWA collects wave data, develops and verifies wave forecasting systems, and is developing and producing wave projections.

NIWA expends considerable effort on determining the age of commercial fish species. But why age a fish? And how do we do it?

This collaborative NZaid project worked with coastal Fijian villagers at Votua on the Coral Coast of Viti Levu to develop pragmatic water supply and waste treatment solutions to protect public health and reduce contamination of coastal waters.

Where and when do white sharks occur in New Zealand waters, and how can fisheries bycatch be reduced?

A range of physical and chemical variables are measured in the NRWQN.

Projections of how climate change is likely to affect New Zealand.

Maps of average annual rainfall, temperature and other climate variables have been produced for all of New Zealand, based on the period 1981–2010.

The current method for calculating wind speed-up is inadequate, and can grossly under-predict correct design wind speeds in NZ's complex terrain.

There are many lines of evidence showing that NZ has warmed during the past century.

NIWA's research on freshwater monitoring and reporting is one of three research areas within the 'Values, Monitoring and Outcomes' (VMO) programme led by Landcare Research.