News

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

  • Lockdown air quality keeps getting better

    Media release
    Pollution levels in our main cities are continuing to fall as a result of the nationwide lockdown, says NIWA.
  • Huge waves on Wellington coast to ease later today, says NIWA

    Media release
    High waves pounding Wellington’s south coast today are being caused by a deep area of low pressure passing the Chatham Islands, according to NIWA forecaster Ben Noll.
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    Small sea-level rises to drive more intense flooding, say scientists

    Media release
    A little can mean a lot – especially when it comes to the relationship between sea level rise and coastal flooding.
  • Hotspot Watch 8 April 2020

    Hotspot
    The New Zealand Drought Index shows that severe meteorological drought remains across the Coromandel Peninsula and near Cape Reinga. Meteorological drought is found across parts of the Far North, Auckland, and far northern Waikato
  • Hotspot Watch 1 April 2020

    Hotspot
    In the North Island severe meteorological drought coverage has again receded significantly in the past week, although it is still widespread in the Coromandel Peninsula. Meteorological drought remains in place across parts of Northland, Auckland, northern Waikato, and East Cape. Meteorological drought has completely dissipated across the upper South Island, although widespread dry soils are still present.
  • Steep improvements seen in Auckland air quality, says NIWA

    Media release
    NIWA scientists say air quality has dramatically improved in Auckland since the COVID-19 Level 4 lockdown was instigated.
  • Science voyage cut short for researchers, crew to be with family

    News article
    NIWA’s flagship research ship Tangaroa returned to Wellington yesterday after cutting short an international scientific voyage taking place off the east coast of New Zealand.
  • Climate change content for school kids gets revamp

    Media release
    Young New Zealanders can now access the most up-to-date educational material about the science of climate change and its impacts on Aotearoa thanks to NIWA’s new web section: 'Climate change information for climate solvers'
  • NIWA Essential Services: COVID-19

    Media release
    NIWA’s priority at all times is on the wellbeing, health and safety of our staff working across the country delivering excellent research and associated science services for the benefit of all New Zealanders.
  • Hotspot Watch 26 March 2020

    Hotspot
  • Scientists get first look at rocks causing slow moving quakes

    Media release
    An ambitious international scientific project to study New Zealand’s largest earthquake fault is now enabling scientists to learn more about slow slip earthquakes happening in subduction zones around the world.
  • Tubeworm discovery in Hauraki Gulf cause for celebration

    Media release
    Scientists mapping the Hauraki Gulf seafloor have discovered huge colonies of tubeworms up to 1.5 metres high and collectively covering hundreds of metres providing vital habitats for plants and animals.