News

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

  • Hotspot Watch 16 December 2022

    Hotspot
    A weekly update describing soil moisture patterns across the country to show where dry to extremely dry conditions are occurring or imminent. Regions experiencing significant soil moisture deficits are deemed “hotspots”. Persistent hotspot regions have the potential to develop into drought.
  • Making big waves in the Pacific

    Feature story
    Prior to 15 January, Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai was a little-known undersea South Pacific volcano with a long name. Within 24 hours, it  was a global phenomenon – the site of the largest atmospheric explosion in almost 150 years. Jessica Rowley looks at why a remote Tongan volcano took the world by storm.
  • Protecting people

    Feature story
    Mia Blyth talks to an environmental hazard specialist who feels a very personal connection to his work.
  • Preparing coastal communities for change

    Feature story
    Our coastline is changing as sea levels rise. Lawrence Gullery looks at a five-year research programme designed to help communities with tough decisions ahead.
  • Fire in the sky

    Feature story
    New research suggests large-scale wildfires may be changing the chemical makeup of our atmosphere. Jessica Rowley explains.
  • Putting algae to work

    Feature story
    Can native freshwater algae help restore the mauri of local waterways? Lawrence Gullery investigates.
  • Bridging the forecasting gap

    Feature story
    Improvements in data and climate science mean forecasters are able to predict patterns much further ahead and in far greater detail. Melissa Bray looks at what this may mean for farmers.
  • Are you ready for your climate future?

    Feature story
    NIWA Chief Executive John Morgan asks whether New Zealanders are doing enough to prepare for what lies ahead.
  • New research indicates careful fish handling helps support sustainable fisheries

    News article
    Initial data suggests careful handling of released snapper could help fishers save thousands of fish annually.
  • Hotspot Watch 8 December 2022

    Hotspot
    A weekly update describing soil moisture patterns across the country to show where dry to extremely dry conditions are occurring or imminent. Regions experiencing significant soil moisture deficits are deemed “hotspots”. Persistent hotspot regions have the potential to develop into drought.
  • Marine heatwave developing

    Media release
    Coastal waters around Aotearoa New Zealand became unusually warm last month, say NIWA.
  • Hotspot Watch 1 December 2022

    Hotspot
    A weekly update describing soil moisture patterns across the country to show where dry to extremely dry conditions are occurring or imminent. Regions experiencing significant soil moisture deficits are deemed “hotspots”. Persistent hotspot regions have the potential to develop into drought.