NIWA researches climate, the ocean, freshwater, and fisheries and aquaculture in New Zealand and the wider Pacific region.
Its subsidiary, NIWA Vessel Management, owns and charters vessels for research and operates marine workshops for a fleet including RV Tangaroa, RV Kaharoa and survey launch Pelorus.
Another subsidiary, NIWA Natural Solutions, commercialises NIWA products.
Further subsidiaries, based in Australia and the US, provide scientific research and consultancy, and an 80% owned entity, Unidata, supplies environment technology.