The dramatic, kilometres-deep canyons that lie hidden beneath our waves need protection from human pollution and damage, scientists say.

The "safe version" of a Great White shark has washed up on Wellington's shore, leaving experts puzzled about what may have happened to it.

While the eastern region swelters in one of the most rain-deprived Januaries in more than a century, some western areas have been drenched.

Is summer really getting later? We look at long-term Niwa figures.

Kiwis "must be vigilant" about swimming in our rivers, a freshwater scientist says, with data often showing high levels of E. coli in waterways.

Climate change scientists have projected continued global greenhouse gas emissions would heat Northland heat up more than other regions

Northland farmers are facing drier than normal conditions.

Science reporter Jamie Morton talks to Auckland Uni conservation ecologist Dr James Russell about the challenge to sweep islands clear of pest predators.

The West Coast has held on to its dubious record as the wettest place in New Zealand, albeit in the Southern Alps.

Last year was the hottest ever record, according to a European climate agency and a US-based climate centre.

This week, the Herald takes a look at Kiwis who are dedicated to helping our animals. Today Jamie Morton looks at Kelly Tarlton's Turtle Rehabilitation programme.

Bay of Islands the place to be for summer sun today

Creating "designer" ecosystems for degraded waterways could boost river restoration efforts around the country.

There was a record downpour in Auckland, a tornado in Taranaki and "quake lights" above Wellington. Oh, and 2016 was likely also New Zealand's hottest year on record.

A stunning summer's day in Wellington has attracted some aquatic visitors to the coastline, with locals spotting orcas and dolphins.

NIWA marine ecology technician Mark Fenwick has observed the dramatic changes to Kaikoura's crayfish habitats.

A researcher who has uncovered new insights into New Zealand's ocean environment says seafloor communities need better protection against any future deep-sea mining.

This year is set to become New Zealand's hottest on record, breaking the previous record set in 1998, scientists say.

Scientists have revealed astonishing new insights into how the 7.8-magnitude quake affected New Zealand's seabed.

The Prime Minister's bodyguards directed traffic around a high rise close to collapse, slips caused traffic chaos and homes were evacuated in capital.

Predicting large earthquakes is not as simple as looking to the moon or watching the pet cat. A post online predicting an earthquake

Heavy rain and wind is forecast to batter the upper South Island and lower North Island this afternoon.

Summer likely to be wetter than average according to long-term Niwa forecast.

Hotter than average temperatures can be expected across the entire country over the next three months - but the warm won't come without rain.

Scientists who sought to solve mysteries about hammerhead sharks were only left with another when one of the first adults ever tagged ended up eluding them.

A weather balloon with cameras attached has captured a stunning view of Central Otago from the sky.

A wetter summer season is on the cards for the upper North Island - but that doesn't mean people should go cancelling their Coromandel holiday plans.

Niwa scientists work in some of the world's most extraordinary landscapes. These stunning environments are celebrated in an annual photography competition.

The potential environmental impacts of controversial off-shore mining will be investigated in a new multi-million dollar study.

COMMENT: Misinformation is counterproductive in battling dramatic decline of species in Auckland Islands.