International Research - Our Services
The peoples and governments of the small island Pacific States have had a long and intimate relationship with New Zealand, and families are often spread amongst our countries. NIWA works with Pacific States on sustainable development, education, and the reduction of risk natural hazards.
The issues faced by Pacific States include developing a better understanding of marine and freshwater resources, and ways to continue to manage these resources sustainably; also, increasing community and economic vulnerability to natural hazards, particularly droughts and cyclones, is a concern. These issues will grow in significance as the impacts of climate change continue to take effect. Enhancing the capacity to effectively adapt to changes over time is a key challenge for all Pacific States.
NIWA has a long history of working with Pacific States. Many of our staff have lived in the Pacific, and have an intimate knowledge of biophysical and cultural environments, while much of NIWA’s New Zealand-based research is of direct relevance to the wider Pacific.
The Pacifc Rim centre acts as a gatekeeper for not only NIWA's work in island communities, but all of NIWA's international activities, using our knowledge of other cultures to enhance NIWA's science consultancy services.