News

James Palmer LS

Earth Sciences New Zealand announces its new Chief Executive

Earth Sciences New Zealand Chair, David Smol, is pleased to announce the appointment of James Palmer as Chief Executive of the organisation, with effect from 2 March 2026.

Find out more
Photocomp winners 2025

Scientists’ stunning snaps

An annual photography competition held by Earth Sciences New Zealand has put our exceptional natural environment in the spotlight.

Find out more
GOLD CLAMS   c. Michele Melchior, ESNZ banner
NIWA

It’s breeding season for invasive clam

Earth Science NZ researchers are seeing signs that the breeding season for the invasive freshwater gold clam (Corbicula fluminea) has begun.

Find out more
jade 2
GNS

Carving deep into the secrets of Pounamu – a hui of stone, culture, science and shared knowledge

A unique collaboration between 22 pounamu carvers from across the motu and scientists from Earth Sciences NZ unfolded at the University of Otago recently; blending mātauranga Māori with scientific inquiry to explore the remarkable toughness of pounamu. Carvers are from a range of iwi affiliations, but most are listed with Ngāi Tahu.

Find out more
Tuhua social media 1920x1080
GNS

Only the facts: new Tūhua/Mayor Island Volcano resource now available

Lying offshore of western Bay of Plenty, Tūhua/Mayor Island is a famous big-game fishing and diving destination, and a haven for wildlife as a pest-free sanctuary. But did you know it is also a dormant volcano?

Find out more
IMG 20250319 WA0010 (002)

Earth Sciences NZ secures $2.6M in Marsden Fund Support

Four new research projects led by Earth Sciences New Zealand have received support from the prestigious Marsden Fund. These projects will tackle some of the most pressing challenges in energy, sustainability, and volcanic risk.

Find out more
Hokitika map web
NIWA

Nationwide study reveals escalating flood risk

New research led by Earth Sciences New Zealand reveals that more than 750,000 New Zealanders live in locations exposed to flooding from one-in-100-year rainfall flooding events. And this number could increase to more than 900,000 with a further 3 degrees of warming due to climate change.

Find out more
Co chief scientists Richard Levy and Tina van De Flierdt credit Ana Tovey sm

Behind the scenes of SWAIS2C’s hunt for climate clues at the Antarctic frontier

Last summer a team of scientists and drillers ventured to the far reaches of the Ross Ice Shelf to drill for geological records critical for forecasting future sea-level rise. The story of the highs and lows of their mission reveals the grit and determination behind world-leading Antarctic research.

Find out more
2025 01 broll Turtle survey credit MV Erdmann Conservation International Still002
NIWA

First known green turtle feeding habitat confirmed in NZ

Scientists have used drones to video green turtles feeding in New Zealand waters for the first time.

Find out more
Marine sponges james bell
NIWA

Discovery of new marine sponges a ‘huge surprise’

A research team exploring marine sponges in Fiordland has found half of the 82 sponge specimens collected during a recent trip are new to science.

Find out more
snapper marine heatwave
NIWA

New research to understand the impact of marine heatwaves on fisheries

A new report has outlined how gradual long-term warming of the waters around New Zealand, and an increase in short-term heat events, are likely under different greenhouse gas emission scenarios.

Find out more
Divers surveying a methane seep at Cape Evans   Credit Leigh Tait   Earth Sciences NZ
NIWA

Antarctic methane discoveries skyrocket

New methane seeps are being discovered at an astonishing rate in Antarctic waters.

Find out more
Back to top