Climate & Weather

Understanding our variable and changing climate is critical for managing resources and reducing risks.

  • Our changing oceans

    Feature story
    The on-going rise of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) that is fuelling climate change is also driving significant changes in the waters off our coasts.
  • Fighting fires - one forecast at a time

    Feature story
    When fire came to Pigeon Valley, Fire and Emergency came to NIWA.
  • Climate Matters - shaping our climate solutions

    NIWA is bringing together decision makers and influencers from across New Zealand this month to shape the science we need to respond to our changing climate.
  • A bird's-eye view of our carbon balance

    Feature story
    Dr Sara Mikaloff-Fletcher is looking to turn the internationally accepted science of monitoring greenhouse gas emissions upside down – and the rest of the world is watching closely.
  • Endless summers

    Feature story
    Susan Pepperell reports on a region trying to cope with a changing climate
  • Super-model for a worldwide stage

    Feature story
    Demands for new weather and climate predictions are unprecedented as nations struggle to understand their exposure to risk from severe climatic events.
  • From Gore to NIWA via NASA

    Feature story
    A science-fiction fan, amateur actor, and eternal optimist, is now NIWA’s Chief Scientist for Climate, Atmosphere and Hazards.
    Susan Pepperell finds out more.
  • Fieldays Weather 2019: a mix of rain, sun, fog and fun

    Media release
    If you’re planning a visit to the National Agricultural Fieldays at Mystery Creek this week, here’s what you can expect from the weather.
  • Seasonal records set to fall like autumn leaves

    Media release
    With just a few days of autumn left, prolonged warm weather and less rain than normal means some spots across New Zealand are heading for the record books.
  • Thermal images reveal heat levels in New Zealand’s glaciers

    Media release
    Thermal images taken by a NIWA scientist during this year’s aerial survey of South Island glaciers have revealed in extraordinary detail how heat in the surrounding landscape is affecting the ice.
  • Scientists study how to predict marine heatwaves

    Media release
    Scientists have taken a step closer to predicting marine heatwaves with new NIWA-led research finding a link between their formation and the length of time sea temperatures are warmer than normal.^.
  • (no image provided)

    Emirates Team New Zealand seek NIWA’s technical edge

    Media release
    Grant Dalton, CEO of Emirates Team New Zealand, and NIWA CEO John Morgan recently signed an agreement that will see NIWA’s scientists working closely with Emirates Team New Zealand over the next few years.