Hazards

NIWA researchers study geological, weather and coastal hazards, including the impact of climate change on some of these.

  • Scientists confirm former site of Pink and White Terraces

    Media release
    The diary and hand-drawn maps of a nineteenth century geologist has enabled NIWA scientists to confirm the former site of the iconic Pink and White Terraces at Lake Rotomahana.
  • River forecasting: capabilities versus user requirements

    Research Project
    Currently there are gaps in understanding of user decision making processes and public needs and requirements for river forecasting in New Zealand. This project aims to bridge NIWA river forecasting aspirations and capabilities with both the public and decision makers’ requirements.
  • NIWA joint winner of 2018 Terry Healy Coastal Project Award

    Media release
    A trio of lead authors from NIWA has been named alongside the Ministry for the Environment and others as joint winner of the 2018 Terry Healy Coastal Project Award.
  • Volunteers needed to unlock historic weather secrets 30 October 2018

    Media release
    NIWA climate scientists are calling for volunteers to unearth weather secrets from the past – including those recorded by members of Captain Robert Scott’s doomed trip to the South Pole in 1912.
  • Marshallese benefit from new RiskScape drought tool

    Feature story
    Inhabitants of the Marshall Islands may not be able to avoid drought, but thanks to a new tool co-developed by NIWA they can now plan ahead to better manage water resources when the big dry looms.
  • Kaikōura earthquake provides world-first insight into submarine canyons

    Feature story
    Research conducted after the 2016, 7.8 magnitude Kaikōura earthquake has provided scientists with an extremely rare opportunity to understand the processes that shape submarine canyons.
  • Solutions: Early warning of PNG floods

    Feature story
    NIWA has completed a project that aims to help build community resilience against flooding in the Bumbu River and contribute to improving Papua New Guinea’s disaster preparedness in the face of increasing climate-related disasters.
  • A say on the sea shore

    Feature story
    Coastal communities around New Zealand are getting a say on how to respond to sea-level rise, and NIWA is helping them.
  • Te Huringa ki te Rangi – He Rautaki Tāwariwari

    Te Huringa ki te Rangi is a decision-making model to support indigenous and coastal communities.
  • Councils get help to prepare for sea-level rise

    Media release
    A senior NIWA scientist is concerned many councils are having difficulty “getting off the starting blocks” when it comes to planning for coastal climate change.
  • Lake Tekapo study raises awareness of tsunamis in NZ lakes

    Media release
    A pilot project has provided the most advanced mapping of a New Zealand lake ever and highlights the hazard to lakeside towns of tsunamis caused by landslides.
  • NIWA urges farmers to prepare for climate change

    Media release
    NIWA is encouraging farmers to plan for climate change so they can maximise their abilities to adapt and thrive as significant change begins to take place.