Niwa

The Hawea River has been temporarily reduced to well below its usual minimum permitted flow this week in preparation for the construction of a long-awaited whitewater kayak play park.

Half of the hydrology field officers at the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (Niwa) are to be "disestablished" in the Southern region and three people will lose their jobs as part of a nationwide review of atmospheric science and support staff roles.

Lauder scientists are helping predict the spread and movement of volcanic ash, blown 10,000km around the world.

Buildings and faces had changed in 50 years, but the clear blue skies remained the same.

An early, but slightly warmer winter than usual is on the way.

A job-cut at the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research Lauder station will not affect the important contribution the centre makes to the national and international science community, a Niwa spokesman said yesterday.

Information gathered at a Central Otago research station is a vital cog in global climate research, top international climate scientists emphasised yesterday.

Diversity has been a significant factor in the success of one of New Zealand's leading businessmen.

ACT Party leader Rodney Hide alleges state science company Niwa has misled cabinet ministers over New Zealand's official temperature measurements pertaining to global warming.

April was marked by droughts in the North Island and heavy rain in parts of the South Island, according to an official summary of the month's weather.