Hazards

NIWA researchers study geological, weather and coastal hazards, including the impact of climate change on some of these.

  • 2019 so far - a story of weather and climate extremes

    Media release
    We’re now halfway through 2019 and NIWA climate data from the first six months tell a dramatic story of weather and climate extremes.
  • Fighting fires - one forecast at a time

    Feature story
    When fire came to Pigeon Valley, Fire and Emergency came to NIWA.
  • 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.
  • NIWA mapping Whakatipu lake floor

    Media release
    NIWA researchers are out on Lake Whakatipu for the next week mapping the lake floor for the first time.
  • Tracing tsunamis through history

    Weaving whakapapa and science together to trace tsunami through history.
  • Scientists confirm former site of Pink and White Terraces

    Media release
    The diary and hand-drawn maps of a nineteenth century geologist has enabled NIWA scientists to confirm the former site of the iconic Pink and White Terraces at Lake Rotomahana.
  • River forecasting: capabilities versus user requirements

    Research Project
    Currently there are gaps in understanding of user decision making processes and public needs and requirements for river forecasting in New Zealand. This project aims to bridge NIWA river forecasting aspirations and capabilities with both the public and decision makers’ requirements.
  • NIWA joint winner of 2018 Terry Healy Coastal Project Award

    Media release
    A trio of lead authors from NIWA has been named alongside the Ministry for the Environment and others as joint winner of the 2018 Terry Healy Coastal Project Award.
  • Volunteers needed to unlock historic weather secrets 30 October 2018

    Media release
    NIWA climate scientists are calling for volunteers to unearth weather secrets from the past – including those recorded by members of Captain Robert Scott’s doomed trip to the South Pole in 1912.
  • Marshallese benefit from new RiskScape drought tool

    Feature story
    Inhabitants of the Marshall Islands may not be able to avoid drought, but thanks to a new tool co-developed by NIWA they can now plan ahead to better manage water resources when the big dry looms.
  • Kaikōura earthquake provides world-first insight into submarine canyons

    Feature story
    Research conducted after the 2016, 7.8 magnitude Kaikōura earthquake has provided scientists with an extremely rare opportunity to understand the processes that shape submarine canyons.
  • Solutions: Early warning of PNG floods

    Feature story
    NIWA has completed a project that aims to help build community resilience against flooding in the Bumbu River and contribute to improving Papua New Guinea’s disaster preparedness in the face of increasing climate-related disasters.