Science & Innovation Sector

 

National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research Ltd (NIWA)

NIWA is New Zealand’s principal provider of environmental research and consultancy services in atmosphere and climate, coast and oceans, freshwater, fisheries, and aquaculture. NIWA’s principal clients are central and local government agencies, although it is increasing its private sector revenues through the commercialisation of new products and the provision of operational forecasting services.

Website: www.niwa.co.nz (opens in new window)

2007/08 Statement of Corporate Intent (.pdf, 76kb)

Key Company Data

Company Form	Crown research institute
Year of Establishment	1992
Head Office	Auckland
Major Campuses	Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch
Chair (term expiry)	Sue Suckling (June 2009)
Board Membership	Dennis Cairns (June 2011)
	Craig Ellison (June 2010)
	Dr Graham Hill (June 2009)
	Ed Johnson (June 2011)
	Dr Wendy Lawson (June 2009)
	Helen Robinson (June 2011)
CEO	John Morgan
Balance Date	30 June
Number of FTE Staff	648

 

 

Key Financial Data ($ million)	2002/03	2003/04	2004/05	2005/06	2006/07
Financial Performance
Total Revenue	84.2	84.6	91.1	106.4	113.9
FRST + NSOF / Capability Fund	36.0	39.6	43.7	50.4	53.4
EBIT	7.2	6.8	9.3	15.4	15.6
Net Profit After Tax	4.7	5.3	6.4	10.3	10.5
EBIT Margin	8.6%	8.0%	10.2%	14.5%	13.7%
Return on Assets	10.9%	9.8%	13.4%	22.8%	21.2%
Return on Equity	10.1%	10.7%	13.4%	24.4%	22.6%
Financial Position
Total Assets	66.6	72.3	66.8	68.8	78.0
Equity	46.7	51.9	43.7	41.2	51.5
Equity Ratio	70.1%	71.9%	65.3%	62.6%	63.2%
Current Ratio	1.1	1.9	1.0	1.2	1.3

Financial data and staff member information correct as at 30 June 2007. All other information correct as at 1 July 2008.

CCMAU commentary on 2006/07 performance

NIWA had continued strong financial performance in 2006/07 with total revenue increasing to $113.9 million, up from $106.4 million in 2005/06.  This increase was sourced from all main revenue areas (public good science, commercial consulting, and Ministry of Fisheries’ contracts) with particularly strong results in the areas of biodiversity, biosecurity, and commercial work for overseas clients.  NIWA’s strong revenue resulted in a good profitability result with the company earning a $10.5 million net profit, in comparison with a budget of $5.5 million.

NIWA continued its strong track record of collaborating in 2006/07, with many new collaborations established.  These included collaborations with CRL Energy and other CRIs for energy research, with industry for sustainable salmon aquaculture, and with other CRIs and universities for a national climate change research centre.