NIWA Invertebrate Collection
The NIWA Invertebrate Collection (NIC) holds specimens from almost all invertebrate phyla. This is a result of about half a century of marine taxonomic and biodiversity research in the New Zealand region, the South West Pacific and the Ross Sea, Antarctica.
New Zealand lies in the South West Pacific, a region that harbours one of the world’s highest species diversity in some marine invertebrate groups with a high proportion of endemic species (that don't occur anywhere else). This huge diversity is, amongst other things, related to the variable seafloor relief and New Zealand’s ancient geological history. NIWA is fortunate to hold a significant representation of New Zealand’s marine biodiversity in the NIWA Invertebrate Collection at Greta Point in Wellington.
Importance of the collection
The collection is a valuable resource for research in the areas of:
- Taxonomy
- Evolutionary biology
- Understanding marine ecosystems and biodiversity
- Ecological research
- Improving biosecurity measures
- Informing marine conservation
The NIC is of national and international significance because it is essential for determining the evolutionary and biological relationships of the New Zealand biota in relation to the rest of the world.
Information for Scientists
Visitors come from around the world to the NIWA Invertebrate Collection to undertake research and work with our material. Read more about Information for Scientists
Search the Type Collection
Search our type collection by taxonomic rank and author. The collection contains over 2100 holotypes and paratypes. Read more about Search the Type Collection
Loans - Policy and Procedures
Specimens can be loaned to universities, colleges, museums and other research or education institutions for the use of resident research staff. Read more about Loans - Policy and Procedures
