climate change.
internationally.
and learning in isotope sciences.
opportunities for hands-on experience
research facilities, and offer them
We give students access to our
expanding their education portfolios.
are proud to assist universities in
Also important to the future, we
water environments from pollutants
• Assisting the protection of land and
• Ensuring food safety and security
of water and geothermal resources
• Supporting effective management
Our research includes:
• Assessing food quality
impacts on air quality
makeup of toxic emissions and their
• Pinpointing the exact source and
drinking, irrigation and recreation
aquifiers and their suitability for
• Water dating to understand
focus includes:
Our public health and safety
resources
Zealand’s petroleum and gas
a sustainable way from New
understand and to benefit in
• Developing techniques to better
of the future
application for commercial products
nanotechnology and the potential
• Researching different aspects of
readiness for market
product type, quality and
• Offering detailed insight into
timber and metal
and materials such as meat, fruit,
composition of specific products
for industry, to analyse the
• Developing non-invasive scanners
revolves around:
Our key commercial work
Action
Ice
The NIC’s Ice Core Research
Laboratory is a new purpose-built
state-of-the-art cold storage and
research centre, where scientists
push the frontiers of climate-change
research.
Ice cores from up to 700m depth are
retrieved mainly from Antarctica and
New Zealand’s Southern Alps. New
Zealand is a key geographical location
in such study, as we’re at the boundary
of the polar front between northerly
and southerly airflow systems.
In conjunction with researchers from
other national and overseas centres,
NIC scientists are unravelling southern
hemisphere climate evolution over
the last several thousand years. The
analysis of the ice, its impurities, and
the air trapped in the ice is improving
our understanding of what drives
climate change. This also provides
crucial knowledge to forecast future
climate impacts on New Zealand.
readiness for potential impacts of
locally, nationally and
sustainable use of resources,
long-term protection and
working to support the
In numerous ways, we are
Millennium Development Goals.
as well as the United Nations’
Health, Agriculture and Energy,
Development for Clean Water,
World Summit on Sustainable
by protocols such as the
importance. This is recognised
sustainability take on ever more
threatened, issues of
environments increasingly
increasingly scarce, and
As global resources become
the world.
around New Zealand and
organisations and communities
this understanding with
safety issues – and share
understand key health and
research to monitor and better
We undertake diverse
forms of life.
– for people and all other
essential to health and safety
Air, water and land are all
player.
New Zealand being a global
scientific advances. It’s about
gains long-term benefit from
helping to ensure New Zealand
commercial solutions, we are
understanding and deliver
nationally and globally to build
businesses and organisations
understanding. By working with
as a key to new technology and
sciences are widely recognised
Around the world, isotope
success of New Zealand.
drive the future economic
exploring opportunities to
The NIC is continually
Soil
Predicting how soils will influence
and respond to climate change
is a critical aspect of managing
agricultural and forest ecosystems.
Soils store carbon in their organic
matter – they currently hold more
carbon than the atmosphere and all
the world’s plants combined.
However, the capacity of soil to hold
organic matter is sensitive to climate.
Soils are predicted to react to local
warming by releasing carbon as
carbon dioxide, the most important
greenhouse gas causing global
warming. This positive feedback
accelerates the speed of climate
change. Soil organic matter also
underpins the health of ecosystems,
sustaining plant production through
nutrient and water retention.
How much soil carbon could be
released by local warming, causing
more global warming and pressure
on sensitive ecosystems? Research
at the NIC on carbon cycling in soils
will deliver improved understanding
of how fast and how much soils are
likely to respond to climate change.
This in turn will suggest which soil
management practices are most likely
to mitigate environmental damage – by
maximising soil organic matter.
future
sustainable
For a
and safety
For public health
and technology
For innovation
Water
Water Dating Laboratory specialists
are delivering powerful knowledge
for protecting and cleaning up
our lakes.
Using the isotope signature of water,
our scientists are finding out the exact
ages of many different sources of
groundwater travelling into our lakes.
This allows them to determine the
water’s nitrate contamination over time.
A good example is the clear
picture now being built up of how
long groundwater takes to reach
Lake Rotorua, where much of the
groundwater is 30 to 100 years old.
This will enable land to be “retired” in
the most effective places. Because the
natural nitrate levels in old groundwater
are being determined, present changes
in groundwater and lake contamination
can also be identified. Further, we are
able to accurately forecast future levels
of lake contamination, as groundwater
feeds into the lake.
This understanding is vital to effective
action. Ten springs feed into Lake
Rotorua. The volume of groundwater in
just one of them is five times that of the
whole lake!
In other areas of New Zealand, NIC
groundwater dating specialists are
working to understand the size and
flow of groundwater systems. This is
crucial: over-extraction of water means
the whole system collapses. Knowing
what the resource can bear means it
can be used in a sustainable way.
and the country’s preparation and
New Zealand government policy,
helping to support development of
Zealand’s unique situation and needs,
• Stable isotope laboratory
climate change. We also explore New
input into the global response to • Water dating laboratory
and storage
programs are providing significant
The outcomes of these research • Ice core research laboratory
• Ion beam implantation and analysis
gas emissions and absorptions
on knowledge. New Zealand • Linear accelerators
• Quantify New Zealand’s greenhouse
solutions. Success depends Lower Hutt 5040 benefit to New Zealand.
Core NIC equipment:
and land social and technological PO Box 31312 fact that it needs to be of long-term
of carbon in the water, atmosphere the search for innovative GNS Science support staff. at the heart of all our work is the
• Gain insight into changing levels Zealand has committed to National Isotope Centre scientists and technicians, plus applications around the globe. But
the Kyoto protocol, New New Zealand, and employs 45 We deliver research and industry
climate changes Email nic@gns.cri.nz
future generations. By signing GNS Science, based in Lower Hutt, associated commercial applications.
trends as well as abrupt
to the world’s present and Call +64 4 570 1444 The NIC is an integral part of of isotope science expertise and
• Understand long-term climate
of fundamental importance analysis, and water dating. Zealand’s number one provider
environment Visit www.gns.cri.nz/nic
research to: greenhouse gas issues are ion beam analysis, stable isotope around the world. The NIC is New
Our scientific teams do Global climate change and For the please contact us. Centre (NIC) is highly regarded
teams focus on radiocarbon dating,
can support your work or project, research. Our applied commercial The work of the National Isotope
site. To discuss how our expertise nanotechnology, and hydrocarbons of science and in many industries.
NIC and GNS Science on our web protection and sustainability, for advances in nearly all branches
You can find out more about the climate research, environmental Isotope sciences offer opportunities
Inspiration Contact us Our basic science teams span World-leading expertise
Discovery
that enrich our world.
of GNS Science is continually leading to discoveries
In these and numerous other areas, the expertise
businesses. Striving for a sustainable future.
Opening fresh opportunities for New Zealand
Enhancing the health and safety of all New Zealanders.
Gaining insights into real rates of climate change.
Zealand businesses and the economy.
technological opportunities for New
applications which provide significant
present and future. Isotopes also have
ecological and environmental past,
a material allows us to understand its
analysis of the distinctive isotopes of
fertilisers, pesticides. Therefore,
– air pollutants, water contaminants,
water, oil, wood, rock, soil – or artificial
sources. The source may be natural –
their physical, chemical and biological
element to decipher their genesis and
varieties (isotopes) of the same
(weight) differences between different
activities is to make use of the mass
The key purpose of our scientific
centre
isotope past, present and future
national Isotopes – keys to the
Primary Products
The ISOSCAN team has developed
many prototype real time and non-
The NIC provides a range of advice, services and
invasive scanning systems. Several
collaborations at both a national and international level.
of these world-first systems have
Key collaborators include:
been successfully commercialised
for the timber, horticulture, meat,
and mineral industries.
• University of Auckland • New Zealand
One example is a scanner to
• Victoria
Local Government authorities
measure the green density University of Wellington
(incorporating wetness) of timber.
• University
• New Zealand
of Canterbury
This enables mills to easily sort each Central Government agencies
piece of timber, before kiln drying, • University of Otago
• New Zealand industry
so the drying time ensures the
• University of Waikato
correct final moisture content.
The increased accuracy means • Lincoln University
• Australian
Nuclear Science and
less timber is over-dried, and there Atomic structures • Massey University
Technology Organisation
is far less chance of warping. That in
NIC scientists are developing
turn means less wastage when timber • International
Atomic
worlds of
prototype nanostructures (atomic-
is planed to straight. Further, because Energy Agency
scale structures) that will form the • Industrial Research
kiln time is more efficient, there are Carbon-based materials
basis of electronic equipment of • US and European universities
big energy savings. • Crop and Food Research
the future. Accurate dating of carbon-
In Australia around 80 percent of all
discovery
For example, using our unique • HortResearch
structural timber is now scanned with based materials has created an
fabrication process we have built international reputation for NIC’s
our solution; it has also been sold • NIWA
silicon nanostructures, for which we Rafter Radiocarbon Laboratory.
in North America. The benefits are • Landcare Research
hold an international patent. These For over 50 years the Rafter
quickly realised, with payback on the
are tiny silicon-based structures Radiocarbon team has delivered expert • The
investment usually within six months. MacDiarmid Institute
that are highly conductive to small analysis for, and entered numerous
Another successful NIC solution amounts of electricity and emit bright
measures the fat content of meat (both professional collaborations with, a wide
light. They could well become a key range of clients including geologists,
loose and boxed). This allows meat
processors to ensure all their meat has
component of the next-generation climate-change researchers, Discover more: 1.
television and computer screens. antiquarians, and archaeologists.
national
isotope
centre
the ideal fat percentage to maximise These will be highly energy efficient,
Today, this strong foundation
financial return. Because all of the meat brighter, sharper and faster to respond To know more about New Zealand’s worlds of In numerous ways, the expertise of
GNS Science leads to discoveries
that enrich our world.
is scanned in real time, this solution than plasma and LCD screens. enables us to expand the horizons National Isotope Centre please visit discovery
national
of radiocarbon dating. We support
is far more reliable than sampling
techniques. When necessary, meat can
In another exciting development,
we are modifying zinc oxide material
research in a host of other scientific www.gns.cri.nz/nic Discover more at
www.gns.cri.nz/nic
simply be repackaged to achieve the areas, including archaeology, geology, 2.
to produce diodes that are highly atmospheric studies, and dating of
ideal fat percentage. In a competitive or call us on
efficient emitters of light. This is likely
isotope
past earthquakes and eruptions.
For innovation
and technology
industry, the savings are major. This
to lead to a new generation of Light
Gaining
insights
+64 4 570 1444
Enhancin into
Opening g the healthreal rates of
business fresh opportun and safety climate
change.
In these es. Striving ities for of all New Zealande
We even determine the ages of
for a sustainaNew Zealand
of GNS and numerou rs.
Science s other ble For public health
that enrich areas, future.
Discovery
is continua and safety
tion
the expertise
NIC-developed scanner is licensed to a
our world. lly leading
to discover
Inspira
ies
Emitting Diodes (LED) for domestic and For the nt For a
environme sustainable
future
US company and is sold globally. deep ocean fish species to advise
industrial use. Similarly, these would be government on management and
Working with industry partners, our 3.
brighter and more energy efficient than sustainability of fish stocks. or Email us at
centre
team continually has new scanners existing technology.
For
and innova
techn tion
ology
under development – always helping to nic@gns.cri.nz Discoveryon
Insp
irati
For
and public
For
safety health
a
sustai
deliver a powerful edge.
futurenable
t
the
For nmen
enviro
NIC Location Principal Location Other Locations
National Isotope Centre GNS Science Dunedin Research Centre Wairakei Research Centre
30 Gracefield Road 1 Fairway Drive, Avalon 764 Cumberland Street 114 Karetoto Road
Lower Hutt 5010 Lower Hutt 5010 Dunedin 9016 Wairakei 3377
PO Box 31312 PO Box 30368 Private Bag 1930 Private Bag 2000
Lower Hutt 5040 Lower Hutt 5040 Dunedin 9054 Taupo 3352
New Zealand New Zealand New Zealand New Zealand
T +64-4-570 1444 T +64-4-570 1444 T +64-3-477 4050 T +64-7-374 8211
F +64-4-570 4657 F +64-4-570 4600 F +64-3-477 5232 F +64-7-374 8199

and learning in isotope sciences.
opportunities for hands-on experience
research facilities, and offer them
We give students access to our
expanding their education portfolios.
are proud to assist universities in
Also important to the future, we
water environments from pollutants
• Assisting the protection of land and
• Ensuring food safety and security
of water and geothermal resources
• Supporting effective management
Our research includes:
• Assessing food quality
impacts on air quality
makeup of toxic emissions and their
• Pinpointing the exact source and
drinking, irrigation and recreation
aquifiers and their suitability for
• Water dating to understand
focus includes:
Our public health and safety
resources
Zealand’s petroleum and gas
a sustainable way from New
understand and to benefit in
• Developing techniques to better
of the future
application for commercial products
nanotechnology and the potential
• Researching different aspects of
readiness for market
product type, quality and
• Offering detailed insight into
timber and metal
and materials such as meat, fruit,
composition of specific products
for industry, to analyse the
• Developing non-invasive scanners
revolves around:
Our key commercial work
Action
Ice
The NIC’s Ice Core Research
Laboratory is a new purpose-built
state-of-the-art cold storage and
research centre, where scientists
push the frontiers of climate-change
research.
Ice cores from up to 700m depth are
retrieved mainly from Antarctica and
New Zealand’s Southern Alps. New
Zealand is a key geographical location
in such study, as we’re at the boundary
of the polar front between northerly
and southerly airflow systems.
In conjunction with researchers from
other national and overseas centres,
NIC scientists are unravelling southern
hemisphere climate evolution over
the last several thousand years. The
analysis of the ice, its impurities, and
the air trapped in the ice is improving
our understanding of what drives
climate change. This also provides
crucial knowledge to forecast future
climate impacts on New Zealand.
internationally.
locally, nationally and
sustainable use of resources,
long-term protection and
working to support the
In numerous ways, we are
Millennium Development Goals.
as well as the United Nations’
Health, Agriculture and Energy,
Development for Clean Water,
World Summit on Sustainable
by protocols such as the
importance. This is recognised
sustainability take on ever more
threatened, issues of
environments increasingly
increasingly scarce, and
As global resources become
the world.
around New Zealand and
organisations and communities
this understanding with
safety issues – and share
understand key health and
research to monitor and better
We undertake diverse
forms of life.
– for people and all other
essential to health and safety
Air, water and land are all
player.
New Zealand being a global
scientific advances. It’s about
gains long-term benefit from
helping to ensure New Zealand
commercial solutions, we are
understanding and deliver
nationally and globally to build
businesses and organisations
understanding. By working with
as a key to new technology and
sciences are widely recognised
Around the world, isotope
success of New Zealand.
drive the future economic
exploring opportunities to
The NIC is continually
Soil
Predicting how soils will influence
and respond to climate change
is a critical aspect of managing
agricultural and forest ecosystems.
Soils store carbon in their organic
matter – they currently hold more
carbon than the atmosphere and all
the world’s plants combined.
However, the capacity of soil to hold
organic matter is sensitive to climate.
Soils are predicted to react to local
warming by releasing carbon as
carbon dioxide, the most important
greenhouse gas causing global
warming. This positive feedback
accelerates the speed of climate
change. Soil organic matter also
underpins the health of ecosystems,
sustaining plant production through
nutrient and water retention.
How much soil carbon could be
released by local warming, causing
more global warming and pressure
on sensitive ecosystems? Research
at the NIC on carbon cycling in soils
will deliver improved understanding
of how fast and how much soils are
likely to respond to climate change.
This in turn will suggest which soil
management practices are most likely
to mitigate environmental damage – by
maximising soil organic matter.
future
sustainable
For a
and safety
For public health
and technology
For innovation
Water
Water Dating Laboratory specialists
are delivering powerful knowledge
for protecting and cleaning up
our lakes.
Using the isotope signature of water,
our scientists are finding out the exact
ages of many different sources of
groundwater travelling into our lakes.
This allows them to determine the
water’s nitrate contamination over time.
A good example is the clear
picture now being built up of how
long groundwater takes to reach
Lake Rotorua, where much of the
groundwater is 30 to 100 years old.
This will enable land to be “retired” in
the most effective places. Because the
natural nitrate levels in old groundwater
are being determined, present changes
in groundwater and lake contamination
can also be identified. Further, we are
able to accurately forecast future levels
of lake contamination, as groundwater
feeds into the lake.
This understanding is vital to effective
action. Ten springs feed into Lake
Rotorua. The volume of groundwater in
just one of them is five times that of the
whole lake!
In other areas of New Zealand, NIC
groundwater dating specialists are
working to understand the size and
flow of groundwater systems. This is
crucial: over-extraction of water means
the whole system collapses. Knowing
what the resource can bear means it
can be used in a sustainable way.
climate change.
readiness for potential impacts of
and the country’s preparation and
New Zealand government policy,
helping to support development of
Zealand’s unique situation and needs,
• Stable isotope laboratory
climate change. We also explore New
input into the global response to • Water dating laboratory
and storage
programs are providing significant
The outcomes of these research • Ice core research laboratory
• Ion beam implantation and analysis
gas emissions and absorptions
on knowledge. New Zealand • Linear accelerators
• Quantify New Zealand’s greenhouse
solutions. Success depends Lower Hutt 5040 benefit to New Zealand.
Core NIC equipment:
and land social and technological PO Box 31312 fact that it needs to be of long-term
of carbon in the water, atmosphere the search for innovative GNS Science support staff. at the heart of all our work is the
• Gain insight into changing levels Zealand has committed to National Isotope Centre scientists and technicians, plus applications around the globe. But
the Kyoto protocol, New New Zealand, and employs 45 We deliver research and industry
climate changes Email nic@gns.cri.nz
future generations. By signing GNS Science, based in Lower Hutt, associated commercial applications.
trends as well as abrupt
to the world’s present and Call +64 4 570 1444 The NIC is an integral part of of isotope science expertise and
• Understand long-term climate
of fundamental importance analysis, and water dating. Zealand’s number one provider
environment Visit www.gns.cri.nz/nic
research to: greenhouse gas issues are around the world. The NIC is New
ion beam analysis, stable isotope
Our scientific teams do Global climate change and For the please contact us. Centre (NIC) is highly regarded
teams focus on radiocarbon dating,
can support your work or project, research. Our applied commercial The work of the National Isotope
site. To discuss how our expertise nanotechnology, and hydrocarbons of science and in many industries.
NIC and GNS Science on our web protection and sustainability, for advances in nearly all branches
You can find out more about the climate research, environmental Isotope sciences offer opportunities
Contact us Our basic science teams span World-leading expertise
that enrich our world.
Inspiration Discovery
of GNS Science is continually leading to discoveries
In these and numerous other areas, the expertise
businesses. Striving for a sustainable future.
Opening fresh opportunities for New Zealand
Enhancing the health and safety of all New Zealanders.
Gaining insights into real rates of climate change.
Zealand businesses and the economy.
technological opportunities for New
applications which provide significant
present and future. Isotopes also have
ecological and environmental past,
a material allows us to understand its
analysis of the distinctive isotopes of
fertilisers, pesticides. Therefore,
– air pollutants, water contaminants,
water, oil, wood, rock, soil – or artificial
sources. The source may be natural –
their physical, chemical and biological
element to decipher their genesis and
varieties (isotopes) of the same
(weight) differences between different
activities is to make use of the mass
The key purpose of our scientific
centre
isotope past, present and future
national Isotopes – keys to the
Primary Products
The ISOSCAN team has developed
many prototype real time and non-
The NIC provides a range of advice, services and
invasive scanning systems. Several
collaborations at both a national and international level.
of these world-first systems have
Key collaborators include:
been successfully commercialised
for the timber, horticulture, meat,
and mineral industries.
• University of Auckland • New Zealand
One example is a scanner to
• Victoria
Local Government authorities
measure the green density University of Wellington
(incorporating wetness) of timber.
This enables mills to easily sort each
piece of timber, before kiln drying,
• University
• University
of Canterbury
of Otago
• New Zealand
Central Government agencies
• New Zealand industry
so the drying time ensures the
• University of Waikato
correct final moisture content.
The increased accuracy means • Lincoln University
• Australian Nuclear Science and
less timber is over-dried, and there Atomic structures • Massey
University Technology Organisation
is far less chance of warping. That in
NIC scientists are developing
turn means less wastage when timber • International
Atomic
prototype nanostructures (atomic-
is planed to straight. Further, because Energy Agency
scale structures) that will form the • Industrial Research
kiln time is more efficient, there are Carbon-based materials
basis of electronic equipment of • US and European universities
big energy savings. • Crop and Food Research
the future. Accurate dating of carbon-
In Australia around 80 percent of all
structural timber is now scanned with
our solution; it has also been sold
For example, using our unique
fabrication process we have built
based materials has created an
international reputation for NIC’s
• HortResearch
• NIWA
worlds of
silicon nanostructures, for which we Rafter Radiocarbon Laboratory.
in North America. The benefits are • Landcare Research
hold an international patent. These For over 50 years the Rafter
quickly realised, with payback on the
are tiny silicon-based structures
investment usually within six months.
Another successful NIC solution
that are highly conductive to small
Radiocarbon team has delivered expert
analysis for, and entered numerous
• The MacDiarmid Institute
discovery
amounts of electricity and emit bright professional collaborations with, a wide
measures the fat content of meat (both light. They could well become a key
loose and boxed). This allows meat range of clients including geologists, 1.
component of the next-generation climate-change researchers, Discover more:
processors to ensure all their meat has national
television and computer screens. isotope
centre
the ideal fat percentage to maximise antiquarians, and archaeologists.
These will be highly energy efficient,
In numerous ways, the expertise of
GNS Science leads to discoveries
financial return. Because all of the meat brighter, sharper and faster to respond Today, this strong foundation To know more about New Zealand’s worlds of that enrich our world.
enables us to expand the horizons discovery
is scanned in real time, this solution than plasma and LCD screens. National Isotope Centre please visit
of radiocarbon dating. We support
is far more reliable than sampling
Discover more at
In another exciting development, research in a host of other scientific www.gns.cri.nz/nic
techniques. When necessary, meat can www.gns.cri.nz/nic
we are modifying zinc oxide material areas, including archaeology, geology,
simply be repackaged to achieve the 2.
to produce diodes that are highly atmospheric studies, and dating of
ideal fat percentage. In a competitive or call us on For innovation
and technology
efficient emitters of light. This is likely
industry, the savings are major. This
NIC-developed scanner is licensed to a
to lead to a new generation of Light
Emitting Diodes (LED) for domestic and
past earthquakes and eruptions.
We even determine the ages of +64 4 570 1444 Discovery
Gaining
Enhancin insights
of GNS and numerou
Science
that enrich
into
Opening g the healthreal rates of
business fresh opportun
In these es. Striving
and safety climate
is continua
our world.
change.
ities for of all New Zealande
for a sustaina
s other
New Zealand
ble
areas, future.
the expertise
lly leading
to discover
ies
rs.
Inspira
For the
tion
environme
nt
For public health
and safety
For a
sustainable
future
national
US company and is sold globally. deep ocean fish species to advise
industrial use. Similarly, these would be
government on management and 3.
Working with industry partners, our brighter and more energy efficient than or Email us at For
sustainability of fish stocks. and innova
techn tion
ology
team continually has new scanners
under development – always helping to
existing technology.
nic@gns.cri.nz Discovery
tion
Insp
ira
the
t
For
and public
For
safety health
a
sustai
futurenable
isotope
For nmen
enviro
deliver a powerful edge.
centre
NIC Location Principal Location Other Locations
National Isotope Centre GNS Science Dunedin Research Centre Wairakei Research Centre
30 Gracefield Road 1 Fairway Drive, Avalon 764 Cumberland Street 114 Karetoto Road
Lower Hutt 5010 Lower Hutt 5010 Dunedin 9016 Wairakei 3377
PO Box 31312 PO Box 30368 Private Bag 1930 Private Bag 2000
Lower Hutt 5040 Lower Hutt 5040 Dunedin 9054 Taupo 3352
New Zealand New Zealand New Zealand New Zealand
T +64-4-570 1444 T +64-4-570 1444 T +64-3-477 4050 T +64-7-374 8211
F +64-4-570 4657 F +64-4-570 4600 F +64-3-477 5232 F +64-7-374 8199

and learning in isotope sciences.
opportunities for hands-on experience
research facilities, and offer them
We give students access to our
expanding their education portfolios.
are proud to assist universities in
Also important to the future, we
water environments from pollutants
• Assisting the protection of land and
• Ensuring food safety and security
of water and geothermal resources
• Supporting effective management
Our research includes:
• Assessing food quality
impacts on air quality
makeup of toxic emissions and their
• Pinpointing the exact source and
drinking, irrigation and recreation
aquifiers and their suitability for
• Water dating to understand
focus includes:
Our public health and safety
resources
Zealand’s petroleum and gas
a sustainable way from New
understand and to benefit in
• Developing techniques to better
of the future
application for commercial products
nanotechnology and the potential
• Researching different aspects of
readiness for market
product type, quality and
• Offering detailed insight into
timber and metal
and materials such as meat, fruit,
composition of specific products
for industry, to analyse the
• Developing non-invasive scanners
revolves around:
Our key commercial work
Action
Ice
The NIC’s Ice Core Research
Laboratory is a new purpose-built
state-of-the-art cold storage and
research centre, where scientists
push the frontiers of climate-change
research.
Ice cores from up to 700m depth are
retrieved mainly from Antarctica and
New Zealand’s Southern Alps. New
Zealand is a key geographical location
in such study, as we’re at the boundary
of the polar front between northerly
and southerly airflow systems.
In conjunction with researchers from
other national and overseas centres,
NIC scientists are unravelling southern
hemisphere climate evolution over
the last several thousand years. The
analysis of the ice, its impurities, and
the air trapped in the ice is improving
our understanding of what drives
climate change. This also provides
crucial knowledge to forecast future
climate impacts on New Zealand.
internationally.
locally, nationally and
sustainable use of resources,
long-term protection and
working to support the
In numerous ways, we are
Millennium Development Goals.
as well as the United Nations’
Health, Agriculture and Energy,
Development for Clean Water,
World Summit on Sustainable
by protocols such as the
importance. This is recognised
sustainability take on ever more
threatened, issues of
environments increasingly
increasingly scarce, and
As global resources become
the world.
around New Zealand and
organisations and communities
this understanding with
safety issues – and share
understand key health and
research to monitor and better
We undertake diverse
forms of life.
– for people and all other
essential to health and safety
Air, water and land are all
player.
New Zealand being a global
scientific advances. It’s about
gains long-term benefit from
helping to ensure New Zealand
commercial solutions, we are
understanding and deliver
nationally and globally to build
businesses and organisations
understanding. By working with
as a key to new technology and
sciences are widely recognised
Around the world, isotope
success of New Zealand.
drive the future economic
exploring opportunities to
The NIC is continually
Soil
Predicting how soils will influence
and respond to climate change
is a critical aspect of managing
agricultural and forest ecosystems.
Soils store carbon in their organic
matter – they currently hold more
carbon than the atmosphere and all
the world’s plants combined.
However, the capacity of soil to hold
organic matter is sensitive to climate.
Soils are predicted to react to local
warming by releasing carbon as
carbon dioxide, the most important
greenhouse gas causing global
warming. This positive feedback
accelerates the speed of climate
change. Soil organic matter also
underpins the health of ecosystems,
sustaining plant production through
nutrient and water retention.
How much soil carbon could be
released by local warming, causing
more global warming and pressure
on sensitive ecosystems? Research
at the NIC on carbon cycling in soils
will deliver improved understanding
of how fast and how much soils are
likely to respond to climate change.
This in turn will suggest which soil
management practices are most likely
to mitigate environmental damage – by
maximising soil organic matter.
future
sustainable
For a
and safety
For public health
and technology
For innovation
Water
Water Dating Laboratory specialists
are delivering powerful knowledge
for protecting and cleaning up
our lakes.
Using the isotope signature of water,
our scientists are finding out the exact
ages of many different sources of
groundwater travelling into our lakes.
This allows them to determine the
water’s nitrate contamination over time.
A good example is the clear
picture now being built up of how
long groundwater takes to reach
Lake Rotorua, where much of the
groundwater is 30 to 100 years old.
This will enable land to be “retired” in
the most effective places. Because the
natural nitrate levels in old groundwater
are being determined, present changes
in groundwater and lake contamination
can also be identified. Further, we are
able to accurately forecast future levels
of lake contamination, as groundwater
feeds into the lake.
This understanding is vital to effective
action. Ten springs feed into Lake
Rotorua. The volume of groundwater in
just one of them is five times that of the
whole lake!
In other areas of New Zealand, NIC
groundwater dating specialists are
working to understand the size and
flow of groundwater systems. This is
crucial: over-extraction of water means
the whole system collapses. Knowing
what the resource can bear means it
can be used in a sustainable way.
climate change.
readiness for potential impacts of
and the country’s preparation and
New Zealand government policy,
helping to support development of
Zealand’s unique situation and needs,
• Stable isotope laboratory
climate change. We also explore New
input into the global response to • Water dating laboratory
and storage
programs are providing significant
The outcomes of these research • Ice core research laboratory
• Ion beam implantation and analysis
gas emissions and absorptions
on knowledge. New Zealand • Linear accelerators
• Quantify New Zealand’s greenhouse
solutions. Success depends Lower Hutt 5040 benefit to New Zealand.
Core NIC equipment:
and land social and technological PO Box 31312 fact that it needs to be of long-term
of carbon in the water, atmosphere the search for innovative GNS Science support staff. at the heart of all our work is the
• Gain insight into changing levels Zealand has committed to National Isotope Centre scientists and technicians, plus applications around the globe. But
the Kyoto protocol, New New Zealand, and employs 45 We deliver research and industry
climate changes Email nic@gns.cri.nz
future generations. By signing GNS Science, based in Lower Hutt, associated commercial applications.
trends as well as abrupt
to the world’s present and Call +64 4 570 1444 The NIC is an integral part of of isotope science expertise and
• Understand long-term climate
of fundamental importance analysis, and water dating. Zealand’s number one provider
environment Visit www.gns.cri.nz/nic
research to: greenhouse gas issues are around the world. The NIC is New
ion beam analysis, stable isotope
Our scientific teams do Global climate change and For the please contact us. Centre (NIC) is highly regarded
teams focus on radiocarbon dating,
can support your work or project, research. Our applied commercial The work of the National Isotope
site. To discuss how our expertise nanotechnology, and hydrocarbons of science and in many industries.
NIC and GNS Science on our web protection and sustainability, for advances in nearly all branches
You can find out more about the climate research, environmental Isotope sciences offer opportunities
Contact us Our basic science teams span World-leading expertise
that enrich our world.
Inspiration Discovery
of GNS Science is continually leading to discoveries
In these and numerous other areas, the expertise
businesses. Striving for a sustainable future.
Opening fresh opportunities for New Zealand
Enhancing the health and safety of all New Zealanders.
Gaining insights into real rates of climate change.
Zealand businesses and the economy.
technological opportunities for New
applications which provide significant
present and future. Isotopes also have
ecological and environmental past,
a material allows us to understand its
analysis of the distinctive isotopes of
fertilisers, pesticides. Therefore,
– air pollutants, water contaminants,
water, oil, wood, rock, soil – or artificial
sources. The source may be natural –
their physical, chemical and biological
element to decipher their genesis and
varieties (isotopes) of the same
(weight) differences between different
activities is to make use of the mass
The key purpose of our scientific
centre
isotope past, present and future
national Isotopes – keys to the
Primary Products
The ISOSCAN team has developed
many prototype real time and non-
The NIC provides a range of advice, services and
invasive scanning systems. Several
collaborations at both a national and international level.
of these world-first systems have
Key collaborators include:
been successfully commercialised
for the timber, horticulture, meat,
and mineral industries.
• University of Auckland • New Zealand
One example is a scanner to
• Victoria
Local Government authorities
measure the green density University of Wellington
(incorporating wetness) of timber.
This enables mills to easily sort each
piece of timber, before kiln drying,
• University
• University
of Canterbury
of Otago
• New Zealand
Central Government agencies
• New Zealand industry
so the drying time ensures the
• University of Waikato
correct final moisture content.
The increased accuracy means • Lincoln University
• Australian Nuclear Science and
less timber is over-dried, and there Atomic structures • Massey
University Technology Organisation
is far less chance of warping. That in
NIC scientists are developing
turn means less wastage when timber • International
Atomic
prototype nanostructures (atomic-
is planed to straight. Further, because Energy Agency
scale structures) that will form the • Industrial Research
kiln time is more efficient, there are Carbon-based materials
basis of electronic equipment of • US and European universities
big energy savings. • Crop and Food Research
the future. Accurate dating of carbon-
In Australia around 80 percent of all
structural timber is now scanned with
our solution; it has also been sold
For example, using our unique
fabrication process we have built
based materials has created an
international reputation for NIC’s
• HortResearch
• NIWA
worlds of
silicon nanostructures, for which we Rafter Radiocarbon Laboratory.
in North America. The benefits are • Landcare Research
hold an international patent. These For over 50 years the Rafter
quickly realised, with payback on the
are tiny silicon-based structures
investment usually within six months.
Another successful NIC solution
that are highly conductive to small
Radiocarbon team has delivered expert
analysis for, and entered numerous
• The MacDiarmid Institute
discovery
amounts of electricity and emit bright professional collaborations with, a wide
measures the fat content of meat (both light. They could well become a key
loose and boxed). This allows meat range of clients including geologists, 1.
component of the next-generation climate-change researchers, Discover more:
processors to ensure all their meat has national
television and computer screens. isotope
centre
the ideal fat percentage to maximise antiquarians, and archaeologists.
These will be highly energy efficient,
In numerous ways, the expertise of
GNS Science leads to discoveries
financial return. Because all of the meat brighter, sharper and faster to respond Today, this strong foundation To know more about New Zealand’s worlds of that enrich our world.
enables us to expand the horizons discovery
is scanned in real time, this solution than plasma and LCD screens. National Isotope Centre please visit
of radiocarbon dating. We support
is far more reliable than sampling
Discover more at
In another exciting development, research in a host of other scientific www.gns.cri.nz/nic
techniques. When necessary, meat can www.gns.cri.nz/nic
we are modifying zinc oxide material areas, including archaeology, geology,
simply be repackaged to achieve the 2.
to produce diodes that are highly atmospheric studies, and dating of
ideal fat percentage. In a competitive or call us on For innovation
and technology
efficient emitters of light. This is likely
industry, the savings are major. This
NIC-developed scanner is licensed to a
to lead to a new generation of Light
Emitting Diodes (LED) for domestic and
past earthquakes and eruptions.
We even determine the ages of +64 4 570 1444 Discovery
Gaining
Enhancin insights
of GNS and numerou
Science
that enrich
into
Opening g the healthreal rates of
business fresh opportun
In these es. Striving
and safety climate
is continua
our world.
change.
ities for of all New Zealande
for a sustaina
s other
New Zealand
ble
areas, future.
the expertise
lly leading
to discover
ies
rs.
Inspira
For the
tion
environme
nt
For public health
and safety
For a
sustainable
future
national
US company and is sold globally. deep ocean fish species to advise
industrial use. Similarly, these would be
government on management and 3.
Working with industry partners, our brighter and more energy efficient than or Email us at For
sustainability of fish stocks. and innova
techn tion
ology
team continually has new scanners
under development – always helping to
existing technology.
nic@gns.cri.nz Discovery
tion
Insp
ira
the
t
For
and public
For
safety health
a
sustai
futurenable
isotope
For nmen
enviro
deliver a powerful edge.
centre
NIC Location Principal Location Other Locations
National Isotope Centre GNS Science Dunedin Research Centre Wairakei Research Centre
30 Gracefield Road 1 Fairway Drive, Avalon 764 Cumberland Street 114 Karetoto Road
Lower Hutt 5010 Lower Hutt 5010 Dunedin 9016 Wairakei 3377
PO Box 31312 PO Box 30368 Private Bag 1930 Private Bag 2000
Lower Hutt 5040 Lower Hutt 5040 Dunedin 9054 Taupo 3352
New Zealand New Zealand New Zealand New Zealand
T +64-4-570 1444 T +64-4-570 1444 T +64-3-477 4050 T +64-7-374 8211
F +64-4-570 4657 F +64-4-570 4600 F +64-3-477 5232 F +64-7-374 8199

and learning in isotope sciences.
opportunities for hands-on experience
research facilities, and offer them
We give students access to our
expanding their education portfolios.
are proud to assist universities in
Also important to the future, we
water environments from pollutants
• Assisting the protection of land and
• Ensuring food safety and security
of water and geothermal resources
• Supporting effective management
Our research includes:
• Assessing food quality
impacts on air quality
makeup of toxic emissions and their
• Pinpointing the exact source and
drinking, irrigation and recreation
aquifiers and their suitability for
• Water dating to understand
focus includes:
Our public health and safety
resources
Zealand’s petroleum and gas
a sustainable way from New
understand and to benefit in
• Developing techniques to better
of the future
application for commercial products
nanotechnology and the potential
• Researching different aspects of
readiness for market
product type, quality and
• Offering detailed insight into
timber and metal
and materials such as meat, fruit,
composition of specific products
for industry, to analyse the
• Developing non-invasive scanners
revolves around:
Our key commercial work
Action
Ice
The NIC’s Ice Core Research
Laboratory is a new purpose-built
state-of-the-art cold storage and
research centre, where scientists
push the frontiers of climate-change
research.
Ice cores from up to 700m depth are
retrieved mainly from Antarctica and
New Zealand’s Southern Alps. New
Zealand is a key geographical location
in such study, as we’re at the boundary
of the polar front between northerly
and southerly airflow systems.
In conjunction with researchers from
other national and overseas centres,
NIC scientists are unravelling southern
hemisphere climate evolution over
the last several thousand years. The
analysis of the ice, its impurities, and
the air trapped in the ice is improving
our understanding of what drives
climate change. This also provides
crucial knowledge to forecast future
climate impacts on New Zealand.
internationally.
locally, nationally and
sustainable use of resources,
long-term protection and
working to support the
In numerous ways, we are
Millennium Development Goals.
as well as the United Nations’
Health, Agriculture and Energy,
Development for Clean Water,
World Summit on Sustainable
by protocols such as the
importance. This is recognised
sustainability take on ever more
threatened, issues of
environments increasingly
increasingly scarce, and
As global resources become
the world.
around New Zealand and
organisations and communities
this understanding with
safety issues – and share
understand key health and
research to monitor and better
We undertake diverse
forms of life.
– for people and all other
essential to health and safety
Air, water and land are all
player.
New Zealand being a global
scientific advances. It’s about
gains long-term benefit from
helping to ensure New Zealand
commercial solutions, we are
understanding and deliver
nationally and globally to build
businesses and organisations
understanding. By working with
as a key to new technology and
sciences are widely recognised
Around the world, isotope
success of New Zealand.
drive the future economic
exploring opportunities to
The NIC is continually
Soil
Predicting how soils will influence
and respond to climate change
is a critical aspect of managing
agricultural and forest ecosystems.
Soils store carbon in their organic
matter – they currently hold more
carbon than the atmosphere and all
the world’s plants combined.
However, the capacity of soil to hold
organic matter is sensitive to climate.
Soils are predicted to react to local
warming by releasing carbon as
carbon dioxide, the most important
greenhouse gas causing global
warming. This positive feedback
accelerates the speed of climate
change. Soil organic matter also
underpins the health of ecosystems,
sustaining plant production through
nutrient and water retention.
How much soil carbon could be
released by local warming, causing
more global warming and pressure
on sensitive ecosystems? Research
at the NIC on carbon cycling in soils
will deliver improved understanding
of how fast and how much soils are
likely to respond to climate change.
This in turn will suggest which soil
management practices are most likely
to mitigate environmental damage – by
maximising soil organic matter.
future
sustainable
For a
and safety
For public health
and technology
For innovation
Water
Water Dating Laboratory specialists
are delivering powerful knowledge
for protecting and cleaning up
our lakes.
Using the isotope signature of water,
our scientists are finding out the exact
ages of many different sources of
groundwater travelling into our lakes.
This allows them to determine the
water’s nitrate contamination over time.
A good example is the clear
picture now being built up of how
long groundwater takes to reach
Lake Rotorua, where much of the
groundwater is 30 to 100 years old.
This will enable land to be “retired” in
the most effective places. Because the
natural nitrate levels in old groundwater
are being determined, present changes
in groundwater and lake contamination
can also be identified. Further, we are
able to accurately forecast future levels
of lake contamination, as groundwater
feeds into the lake.
This understanding is vital to effective
action. Ten springs feed into Lake
Rotorua. The volume of groundwater in
just one of them is five times that of the
whole lake!
In other areas of New Zealand, NIC
groundwater dating specialists are
working to understand the size and
flow of groundwater systems. This is
crucial: over-extraction of water means
the whole system collapses. Knowing
what the resource can bear means it
can be used in a sustainable way.
climate change.
readiness for potential impacts of
and the country’s preparation and
New Zealand government policy,
helping to support development of
Zealand’s unique situation and needs,
• Stable isotope laboratory
climate change. We also explore New
input into the global response to • Water dating laboratory
and storage
programs are providing significant
The outcomes of these research • Ice core research laboratory
• Ion beam implantation and analysis
gas emissions and absorptions
on knowledge. New Zealand • Linear accelerators
• Quantify New Zealand’s greenhouse
solutions. Success depends Lower Hutt 5040 benefit to New Zealand.
Core NIC equipment:
and land social and technological PO Box 31312 fact that it needs to be of long-term
of carbon in the water, atmosphere the search for innovative GNS Science support staff. at the heart of all our work is the
• Gain insight into changing levels Zealand has committed to National Isotope Centre scientists and technicians, plus applications around the globe. But
the Kyoto protocol, New New Zealand, and employs 45 We deliver research and industry
climate changes Email nic@gns.cri.nz
future generations. By signing GNS Science, based in Lower Hutt, associated commercial applications.
trends as well as abrupt
to the world’s present and Call +64 4 570 1444 The NIC is an integral part of of isotope science expertise and
• Understand long-term climate
of fundamental importance analysis, and water dating. Zealand’s number one provider
environment Visit www.gns.cri.nz/nic
research to: greenhouse gas issues are around the world. The NIC is New
ion beam analysis, stable isotope
Our scientific teams do Global climate change and For the please contact us. Centre (NIC) is highly regarded
teams focus on radiocarbon dating,
can support your work or project, research. Our applied commercial The work of the National Isotope
site. To discuss how our expertise nanotechnology, and hydrocarbons of science and in many industries.
NIC and GNS Science on our web protection and sustainability, for advances in nearly all branches
You can find out more about the climate research, environmental Isotope sciences offer opportunities
Contact us Our basic science teams span World-leading expertise
that enrich our world.
Inspiration Discovery
of GNS Science is continually leading to discoveries
In these and numerous other areas, the expertise
businesses. Striving for a sustainable future.
Opening fresh opportunities for New Zealand
Enhancing the health and safety of all New Zealanders.
Gaining insights into real rates of climate change.
Zealand businesses and the economy.
technological opportunities for New
applications which provide significant
present and future. Isotopes also have
ecological and environmental past,
a material allows us to understand its
analysis of the distinctive isotopes of
fertilisers, pesticides. Therefore,
– air pollutants, water contaminants,
water, oil, wood, rock, soil – or artificial
sources. The source may be natural –
their physical, chemical and biological
element to decipher their genesis and
varieties (isotopes) of the same
(weight) differences between different
activities is to make use of the mass
The key purpose of our scientific
centre
isotope past, present and future
national Isotopes – keys to the
Primary Products
The ISOSCAN team has developed
many prototype real time and non-
The NIC provides a range of advice, services and
invasive scanning systems. Several
collaborations at both a national and international level.
of these world-first systems have
Key collaborators include:
been successfully commercialised
for the timber, horticulture, meat,
and mineral industries.
• University of Auckland • New Zealand
One example is a scanner to
• Victoria
Local Government authorities
measure the green density University of Wellington
(incorporating wetness) of timber.
This enables mills to easily sort each
piece of timber, before kiln drying,
• University
• University
of Canterbury
of Otago
• New Zealand
Central Government agencies
• New Zealand industry
so the drying time ensures the
• University of Waikato
correct final moisture content.
The increased accuracy means • Lincoln University
• Australian Nuclear Science and
less timber is over-dried, and there Atomic structures • Massey
University Technology Organisation
is far less chance of warping. That in
NIC scientists are developing
turn means less wastage when timber • International
Atomic
prototype nanostructures (atomic-
is planed to straight. Further, because Energy Agency
scale structures) that will form the • Industrial Research
kiln time is more efficient, there are Carbon-based materials
basis of electronic equipment of • US and European universities
big energy savings. • Crop and Food Research
the future. Accurate dating of carbon-
In Australia around 80 percent of all
structural timber is now scanned with
our solution; it has also been sold
For example, using our unique
fabrication process we have built
based materials has created an
international reputation for NIC’s
• HortResearch
• NIWA
worlds of
silicon nanostructures, for which we Rafter Radiocarbon Laboratory.
in North America. The benefits are • Landcare Research
hold an international patent. These For over 50 years the Rafter
quickly realised, with payback on the
are tiny silicon-based structures
investment usually within six months.
Another successful NIC solution
that are highly conductive to small
Radiocarbon team has delivered expert
analysis for, and entered numerous
• The MacDiarmid Institute
discovery
amounts of electricity and emit bright professional collaborations with, a wide
measures the fat content of meat (both light. They could well become a key
loose and boxed). This allows meat range of clients including geologists, 1.
component of the next-generation climate-change researchers, Discover more:
processors to ensure all their meat has national
television and computer screens. isotope
centre
the ideal fat percentage to maximise antiquarians, and archaeologists.
These will be highly energy efficient,
In numerous ways, the expertise of
GNS Science leads to discoveries
financial return. Because all of the meat brighter, sharper and faster to respond Today, this strong foundation To know more about New Zealand’s worlds of that enrich our world.
enables us to expand the horizons discovery
is scanned in real time, this solution than plasma and LCD screens. National Isotope Centre please visit
of radiocarbon dating. We support
is far more reliable than sampling
Discover more at
In another exciting development, research in a host of other scientific www.gns.cri.nz/nic
techniques. When necessary, meat can www.gns.cri.nz/nic
we are modifying zinc oxide material areas, including archaeology, geology,
simply be repackaged to achieve the 2.
to produce diodes that are highly atmospheric studies, and dating of
ideal fat percentage. In a competitive or call us on For innovation
and technology
efficient emitters of light. This is likely
industry, the savings are major. This
NIC-developed scanner is licensed to a
to lead to a new generation of Light
Emitting Diodes (LED) for domestic and
past earthquakes and eruptions.
We even determine the ages of +64 4 570 1444 Discovery
Gaining
Enhancin insights
of GNS and numerou
Science
that enrich
into
Opening g the healthreal rates of
business fresh opportun
In these es. Striving
and safety climate
is continua
our world.
change.
ities for of all New Zealande
for a sustaina
s other
New Zealand
ble
areas, future.
the expertise
lly leading
to discover
ies
rs.
Inspira
For the
tion
environme
nt
For public health
and safety
For a
sustainable
future
national
US company and is sold globally. deep ocean fish species to advise
industrial use. Similarly, these would be
government on management and 3.
Working with industry partners, our brighter and more energy efficient than or Email us at For
sustainability of fish stocks. and innova
techn tion
ology
team continually has new scanners
under development – always helping to
existing technology.
nic@gns.cri.nz Discovery
tion
Insp
ira
the
t
For
and public
For
safety health
a
sustai
futurenable
isotope
For nmen
enviro
deliver a powerful edge.
centre
NIC Location Principal Location Other Locations
National Isotope Centre GNS Science Dunedin Research Centre Wairakei Research Centre
30 Gracefield Road 1 Fairway Drive, Avalon 764 Cumberland Street 114 Karetoto Road
Lower Hutt 5010 Lower Hutt 5010 Dunedin 9016 Wairakei 3377
PO Box 31312 PO Box 30368 Private Bag 1930 Private Bag 2000
Lower Hutt 5040 Lower Hutt 5040 Dunedin 9054 Taupo 3352
New Zealand New Zealand New Zealand New Zealand
T +64-4-570 1444 T +64-4-570 1444 T +64-3-477 4050 T +64-7-374 8211
F +64-4-570 4657 F +64-4-570 4600 F +64-3-477 5232 F +64-7-374 8199

and learning in isotope sciences.
opportunities for hands-on experience
research facilities, and offer them
We give students access to our
expanding their education portfolios.
are proud to assist universities in
Also important to the future, we
water environments from pollutants
• Assisting the protection of land and
• Ensuring food safety and security
of water and geothermal resources
• Supporting effective management
Our research includes:
• Assessing food quality
impacts on air quality
makeup of toxic emissions and their
• Pinpointing the exact source and
drinking, irrigation and recreation
aquifiers and their suitability for
• Water dating to understand
focus includes:
Our public health and safety
resources
Zealand’s petroleum and gas
a sustainable way from New
understand and to benefit in
• Developing techniques to better
of the future
application for commercial products
nanotechnology and the potential
• Researching different aspects of
readiness for market
product type, quality and
• Offering detailed insight into
timber and metal
and materials such as meat, fruit,
composition of specific products
for industry, to analyse the
• Developing non-invasive scanners
revolves around:
Our key commercial work
Action
Ice
The NIC’s Ice Core Research
Laboratory is a new purpose-built
state-of-the-art cold storage and
research centre, where scientists
push the frontiers of climate-change
research.
Ice cores from up to 700m depth are
retrieved mainly from Antarctica and
New Zealand’s Southern Alps. New
Zealand is a key geographical location
in such study, as we’re at the boundary
of the polar front between northerly
and southerly airflow systems.
In conjunction with researchers from
other national and overseas centres,
NIC scientists are unravelling southern
hemisphere climate evolution over
the last several thousand years. The
analysis of the ice, its impurities, and
the air trapped in the ice is improving
our understanding of what drives
climate change. This also provides
crucial knowledge to forecast future
climate impacts on New Zealand.
internationally.
locally, nationally and
sustainable use of resources,
long-term protection and
working to support the
In numerous ways, we are
Millennium Development Goals.
as well as the United Nations’
Health, Agriculture and Energy,
Development for Clean Water,
World Summit on Sustainable
by protocols such as the
importance. This is recognised
sustainability take on ever more
threatened, issues of
environments increasingly
increasingly scarce, and
As global resources become
the world.
around New Zealand and
organisations and communities
this understanding with
safety issues – and share
understand key health and
research to monitor and better
We undertake diverse
forms of life.
– for people and all other
essential to health and safety
Air, water and land are all
player.
New Zealand being a global
scientific advances. It’s about
gains long-term benefit from
helping to ensure New Zealand
commercial solutions, we are
understanding and deliver
nationally and globally to build
businesses and organisations
understanding. By working with
as a key to new technology and
sciences are widely recognised
Around the world, isotope
success of New Zealand.
drive the future economic
exploring opportunities to
The NIC is continually
Soil
Predicting how soils will influence
and respond to climate change
is a critical aspect of managing
agricultural and forest ecosystems.
Soils store carbon in their organic
matter – they currently hold more
carbon than the atmosphere and all
the world’s plants combined.
However, the capacity of soil to hold
organic matter is sensitive to climate.
Soils are predicted to react to local
warming by releasing carbon as
carbon dioxide, the most important
greenhouse gas causing global
warming. This positive feedback
accelerates the speed of climate
change. Soil organic matter also
underpins the health of ecosystems,
sustaining plant production through
nutrient and water retention.
How much soil carbon could be
released by local warming, causing
more global warming and pressure
on sensitive ecosystems? Research
at the NIC on carbon cycling in soils
will deliver improved understanding
of how fast and how much soils are
likely to respond to climate change.
This in turn will suggest which soil
management practices are most likely
to mitigate environmental damage – by
maximising soil organic matter.
future
sustainable
For a
and safety
For public health
and technology
For innovation
Water
Water Dating Laboratory specialists
are delivering powerful knowledge
for protecting and cleaning up
our lakes.
Using the isotope signature of water,
our scientists are finding out the exact
ages of many different sources of
groundwater travelling into our lakes.
This allows them to determine the
water’s nitrate contamination over time.
A good example is the clear
picture now being built up of how
long groundwater takes to reach
Lake Rotorua, where much of the
groundwater is 30 to 100 years old.
This will enable land to be “retired” in
the most effective places. Because the
natural nitrate levels in old groundwater
are being determined, present changes
in groundwater and lake contamination
can also be identified. Further, we are
able to accurately forecast future levels
of lake contamination, as groundwater
feeds into the lake.
This understanding is vital to effective
action. Ten springs feed into Lake
Rotorua. The volume of groundwater in
just one of them is five times that of the
whole lake!
In other areas of New Zealand, NIC
groundwater dating specialists are
working to understand the size and
flow of groundwater systems. This is
crucial: over-extraction of water means
the whole system collapses. Knowing
what the resource can bear means it
can be used in a sustainable way.
climate change.
readiness for potential impacts of
and the country’s preparation and
New Zealand government policy,
helping to support development of
Zealand’s unique situation and needs,
• Stable isotope laboratory
climate change. We also explore New
input into the global response to • Water dating laboratory
and storage
programs are providing significant
The outcomes of these research • Ice core research laboratory
• Ion beam implantation and analysis
gas emissions and absorptions
on knowledge. New Zealand • Linear accelerators
• Quantify New Zealand’s greenhouse
solutions. Success depends Lower Hutt 5040 benefit to New Zealand.
Core NIC equipment:
and land social and technological PO Box 31312 fact that it needs to be of long-term
of carbon in the water, atmosphere the search for innovative GNS Science support staff. at the heart of all our work is the
• Gain insight into changing levels Zealand has committed to National Isotope Centre scientists and technicians, plus applications around the globe. But
the Kyoto protocol, New New Zealand, and employs 45 We deliver research and industry
climate changes Email nic@gns.cri.nz
future generations. By signing GNS Science, based in Lower Hutt, associated commercial applications.
trends as well as abrupt
to the world’s present and Call +64 4 570 1444 The NIC is an integral part of of isotope science expertise and
• Understand long-term climate
of fundamental importance analysis, and water dating. Zealand’s number one provider
environment Visit www.gns.cri.nz/nic
research to: greenhouse gas issues are around the world. The NIC is New
ion beam analysis, stable isotope
Our scientific teams do Global climate change and For the please contact us. Centre (NIC) is highly regarded
teams focus on radiocarbon dating,
can support your work or project, research. Our applied commercial The work of the National Isotope
site. To discuss how our expertise nanotechnology, and hydrocarbons of science and in many industries.
NIC and GNS Science on our web protection and sustainability, for advances in nearly all branches
You can find out more about the climate research, environmental Isotope sciences offer opportunities
Contact us Our basic science teams span World-leading expertise
that enrich our world.
Inspiration Discovery
of GNS Science is continually leading to discoveries
In these and numerous other areas, the expertise
businesses. Striving for a sustainable future.
Opening fresh opportunities for New Zealand
Enhancing the health and safety of all New Zealanders.
Gaining insights into real rates of climate change.
Zealand businesses and the economy.
technological opportunities for New
applications which provide significant
present and future. Isotopes also have
ecological and environmental past,
a material allows us to understand its
analysis of the distinctive isotopes of
fertilisers, pesticides. Therefore,
– air pollutants, water contaminants,
water, oil, wood, rock, soil – or artificial
sources. The source may be natural –
their physical, chemical and biological
element to decipher their genesis and
varieties (isotopes) of the same
(weight) differences between different
activities is to make use of the mass
The key purpose of our scientific
centre
isotope past, present and future
national Isotopes – keys to the
Primary Products
The ISOSCAN team has developed
many prototype real time and non-
The NIC provides a range of advice, services and
invasive scanning systems. Several
collaborations at both a national and international level.
of these world-first systems have
Key collaborators include:
been successfully commercialised
for the timber, horticulture, meat,
and mineral industries.
• University of Auckland • New Zealand
One example is a scanner to
• Victoria
Local Government authorities
measure the green density University of Wellington
(incorporating wetness) of timber.
This enables mills to easily sort each
piece of timber, before kiln drying,
• University
• University
of Canterbury
of Otago
• New Zealand
Central Government agencies
• New Zealand industry
so the drying time ensures the
• University of Waikato
correct final moisture content.
The increased accuracy means • Lincoln University
• Australian Nuclear Science and
less timber is over-dried, and there Atomic structures • Massey
University Technology Organisation
is far less chance of warping. That in
NIC scientists are developing
turn means less wastage when timber • International
Atomic
prototype nanostructures (atomic-
is planed to straight. Further, because Energy Agency
scale structures) that will form the • Industrial Research
kiln time is more efficient, there are Carbon-based materials
basis of electronic equipment of • US and European universities
big energy savings. • Crop and Food Research
the future. Accurate dating of carbon-
In Australia around 80 percent of all
structural timber is now scanned with
our solution; it has also been sold
For example, using our unique
fabrication process we have built
based materials has created an
international reputation for NIC’s
• HortResearch
• NIWA
worlds of
silicon nanostructures, for which we Rafter Radiocarbon Laboratory.
in North America. The benefits are • Landcare Research
hold an international patent. These For over 50 years the Rafter
quickly realised, with payback on the
are tiny silicon-based structures
investment usually within six months.
Another successful NIC solution
that are highly conductive to small
Radiocarbon team has delivered expert
analysis for, and entered numerous
• The MacDiarmid Institute
discovery
amounts of electricity and emit bright professional collaborations with, a wide
measures the fat content of meat (both light. They could well become a key
loose and boxed). This allows meat range of clients including geologists, 1.
component of the next-generation climate-change researchers, Discover more:
processors to ensure all their meat has national
television and computer screens. isotope
centre
the ideal fat percentage to maximise antiquarians, and archaeologists.
These will be highly energy efficient,
In numerous ways, the expertise of
GNS Science leads to discoveries
financial return. Because all of the meat brighter, sharper and faster to respond Today, this strong foundation To know more about New Zealand’s worlds of that enrich our world.
enables us to expand the horizons discovery
is scanned in real time, this solution than plasma and LCD screens. National Isotope Centre please visit
of radiocarbon dating. We support
is far more reliable than sampling
Discover more at
In another exciting development, research in a host of other scientific www.gns.cri.nz/nic
techniques. When necessary, meat can www.gns.cri.nz/nic
we are modifying zinc oxide material areas, including archaeology, geology,
simply be repackaged to achieve the 2.
to produce diodes that are highly atmospheric studies, and dating of
ideal fat percentage. In a competitive or call us on For innovation
and technology
efficient emitters of light. This is likely
industry, the savings are major. This
NIC-developed scanner is licensed to a
to lead to a new generation of Light
Emitting Diodes (LED) for domestic and
past earthquakes and eruptions.
We even determine the ages of +64 4 570 1444 Discovery
Gaining
Enhancin insights
of GNS and numerou
Science
that enrich
into
Opening g the healthreal rates of
business fresh opportun
In these es. Striving
and safety climate
is continua
our world.
change.
ities for of all New Zealande
for a sustaina
s other
New Zealand
ble
areas, future.
the expertise
lly leading
to discover
ies
rs.
Inspira
For the
tion
environme
nt
For public health
and safety
For a
sustainable
future
national
US company and is sold globally. deep ocean fish species to advise
industrial use. Similarly, these would be
government on management and 3.
Working with industry partners, our brighter and more energy efficient than or Email us at For
sustainability of fish stocks. and innova
techn tion
ology
team continually has new scanners
under development – always helping to
existing technology.
nic@gns.cri.nz Discovery
tion
Insp
ira
the
t
For
and public
For
safety health
a
sustai
futurenable
isotope
For nmen
enviro
deliver a powerful edge.
centre
NIC Location Principal Location Other Locations
National Isotope Centre GNS Science Dunedin Research Centre Wairakei Research Centre
30 Gracefield Road 1 Fairway Drive, Avalon 764 Cumberland Street 114 Karetoto Road
Lower Hutt 5010 Lower Hutt 5010 Dunedin 9016 Wairakei 3377
PO Box 31312 PO Box 30368 Private Bag 1930 Private Bag 2000
Lower Hutt 5040 Lower Hutt 5040 Dunedin 9054 Taupo 3352
New Zealand New Zealand New Zealand New Zealand
T +64-4-570 1444 T +64-4-570 1444 T +64-3-477 4050 T +64-7-374 8211
F +64-4-570 4657 F +64-4-570 4600 F +64-3-477 5232 F +64-7-374 8199

and learning in isotope sciences.
opportunities for hands-on experience
research facilities, and offer them
We give students access to our
expanding their education portfolios.
are proud to assist universities in
Also important to the future, we
water environments from pollutants
• Assisting the protection of land and
• Ensuring food safety and security
of water and geothermal resources
• Supporting effective management
Our research includes:
• Assessing food quality
impacts on air quality
makeup of toxic emissions and their
• Pinpointing the exact source and
drinking, irrigation and recreation
aquifiers and their suitability for
• Water dating to understand
focus includes:
Our public health and safety
resources
Zealand’s petroleum and gas
a sustainable way from New
understand and to benefit in
• Developing techniques to better
of the future
application for commercial products
nanotechnology and the potential
• Researching different aspects of
readiness for market
product type, quality and
• Offering detailed insight into
timber and metal
and materials such as meat, fruit,
composition of specific products
for industry, to analyse the
• Developing non-invasive scanners
revolves around:
Our key commercial work
Action
Ice
The NIC’s Ice Core Research
Laboratory is a new purpose-built
state-of-the-art cold storage and
research centre, where scientists
push the frontiers of climate-change
research.
Ice cores from up to 700m depth are
retrieved mainly from Antarctica and
New Zealand’s Southern Alps. New
Zealand is a key geographical location
in such study, as we’re at the boundary
of the polar front between northerly
and southerly airflow systems.
In conjunction with researchers from
other national and overseas centres,
NIC scientists are unravelling southern
hemisphere climate evolution over
the last several thousand years. The
analysis of the ice, its impurities, and
the air trapped in the ice is improving
our understanding of what drives
climate change. This also provides
crucial knowledge to forecast future
climate impacts on New Zealand.
internationally.
locally, nationally and
sustainable use of resources,
long-term protection and
working to support the
In numerous ways, we are
Millennium Development Goals.
as well as the United Nations’
Health, Agriculture and Energy,
Development for Clean Water,
World Summit on Sustainable
by protocols such as the
importance. This is recognised
sustainability take on ever more
threatened, issues of
environments increasingly
increasingly scarce, and
As global resources become
the world.
around New Zealand and
organisations and communities
this understanding with
safety issues – and share
understand key health and
research to monitor and better
We undertake diverse
forms of life.
– for people and all other
essential to health and safety
Air, water and land are all
player.
New Zealand being a global
scientific advances. It’s about
gains long-term benefit from
helping to ensure New Zealand
commercial solutions, we are
understanding and deliver
nationally and globally to build
businesses and organisations
understanding. By working with
as a key to new technology and
sciences are widely recognised
Around the world, isotope
success of New Zealand.
drive the future economic
exploring opportunities to
The NIC is continually
Soil
Predicting how soils will influence
and respond to climate change
is a critical aspect of managing
agricultural and forest ecosystems.
Soils store carbon in their organic
matter – they currently hold more
carbon than the atmosphere and all
the world’s plants combined.
However, the capacity of soil to hold
organic matter is sensitive to climate.
Soils are predicted to react to local
warming by releasing carbon as
carbon dioxide, the most important
greenhouse gas causing global
warming. This positive feedback
accelerates the speed of climate
change. Soil organic matter also
underpins the health of ecosystems,
sustaining plant production through
nutrient and water retention.
How much soil carbon could be
released by local warming, causing
more global warming and pressure
on sensitive ecosystems? Research
at the NIC on carbon cycling in soils
will deliver improved understanding
of how fast and how much soils are
likely to respond to climate change.
This in turn will suggest which soil
management practices are most likely
to mitigate environmental damage – by
maximising soil organic matter.
future
sustainable
For a
and safety
For public health
and technology
For innovation
Water
Water Dating Laboratory specialists
are delivering powerful knowledge
for protecting and cleaning up
our lakes.
Using the isotope signature of water,
our scientists are finding out the exact
ages of many different sources of
groundwater travelling into our lakes.
This allows them to determine the
water’s nitrate contamination over time.
A good example is the clear
picture now being built up of how
long groundwater takes to reach
Lake Rotorua, where much of the
groundwater is 30 to 100 years old.
This will enable land to be “retired” in
the most effective places. Because the
natural nitrate levels in old groundwater
are being determined, present changes
in groundwater and lake contamination
can also be identified. Further, we are
able to accurately forecast future levels
of lake contamination, as groundwater
feeds into the lake.
This understanding is vital to effective
action. Ten springs feed into Lake
Rotorua. The volume of groundwater in
just one of them is five times that of the
whole lake!
In other areas of New Zealand, NIC
groundwater dating specialists are
working to understand the size and
flow of groundwater systems. This is
crucial: over-extraction of water means
the whole system collapses. Knowing
what the resource can bear means it
can be used in a sustainable way.
climate change.
readiness for potential impacts of
and the country’s preparation and
New Zealand government policy,
helping to support development of
Zealand’s unique situation and needs,
• Stable isotope laboratory
climate change. We also explore New
input into the global response to • Water dating laboratory
and storage
programs are providing significant
The outcomes of these research • Ice core research laboratory
• Ion beam implantation and analysis
gas emissions and absorptions
on knowledge. New Zealand • Linear accelerators
• Quantify New Zealand’s greenhouse
solutions. Success depends Lower Hutt 5040 benefit to New Zealand.
Core NIC equipment:
and land social and technological PO Box 31312 fact that it needs to be of long-term
of carbon in the water, atmosphere the search for innovative GNS Science support staff. at the heart of all our work is the
• Gain insight into changing levels Zealand has committed to National Isotope Centre scientists and technicians, plus applications around the globe. But
the Kyoto protocol, New New Zealand, and employs 45 We deliver research and industry
climate changes Email nic@gns.cri.nz
future generations. By signing GNS Science, based in Lower Hutt, associated commercial applications.
trends as well as abrupt
to the world’s present and Call +64 4 570 1444 The NIC is an integral part of of isotope science expertise and
• Understand long-term climate
of fundamental importance analysis, and water dating. Zealand’s number one provider
environment Visit www.gns.cri.nz/nic
research to: greenhouse gas issues are ion beam analysis, stable isotope around the world. The NIC is New
Our scientific teams do Global climate change and For the please contact us. Centre (NIC) is highly regarded
teams focus on radiocarbon dating,
can support your work or project, research. Our applied commercial The work of the National Isotope
site. To discuss how our expertise nanotechnology, and hydrocarbons of science and in many industries.
NIC and GNS Science on our web protection and sustainability, for advances in nearly all branches
You can find out more about the climate research, environmental Isotope sciences offer opportunities
Inspiration Contact us Our basic science teams span World-leading expertise
Discovery
that enrich our world.
of GNS Science is continually leading to discoveries
In these and numerous other areas, the expertise
businesses. Striving for a sustainable future.
Opening fresh opportunities for New Zealand
Enhancing the health and safety of all New Zealanders.
Gaining insights into real rates of climate change.
Zealand businesses and the economy.
technological opportunities for New
applications which provide significant
present and future. Isotopes also have
ecological and environmental past,
a material allows us to understand its
analysis of the distinctive isotopes of
fertilisers, pesticides. Therefore,
– air pollutants, water contaminants,
water, oil, wood, rock, soil – or artificial
sources. The source may be natural –
their physical, chemical and biological
element to decipher their genesis and
varieties (isotopes) of the same
(weight) differences between different
activities is to make use of the mass
The key purpose of our scientific
centre
isotope past, present and future
national Isotopes – keys to the
Primary Products
The ISOSCAN team has developed
many prototype real time and non-
The NIC provides a range of advice, services and
invasive scanning systems. Several
collaborations at both a national and international level.
of these world-first systems have
Key collaborators include:
been successfully commercialised
for the timber, horticulture, meat,
and mineral industries.
• University of Auckland • New Zealand
One example is a scanner to
• Victoria
Local Government authorities
measure the green density University of Wellington
(incorporating wetness) of timber.
• University
• New Zealand
of Canterbury
This enables mills to easily sort each Central Government agencies
piece of timber, before kiln drying, • University of Otago
• New Zealand industry
so the drying time ensures the
• University of Waikato
correct final moisture content.
The increased accuracy means • Lincoln University
• Australian
Nuclear Science and
less timber is over-dried, and there Atomic structures • Massey University
Technology Organisation
is far less chance of warping. That in
NIC scientists are developing
turn means less wastage when timber • International
Atomic
worlds of
prototype nanostructures (atomic-
is planed to straight. Further, because Energy Agency
scale structures) that will form the • Industrial Research
kiln time is more efficient, there are Carbon-based materials
basis of electronic equipment of • US and European universities
big energy savings. • Crop and Food Research
the future. Accurate dating of carbon-
In Australia around 80 percent of all
discovery
For example, using our unique • HortResearch
structural timber is now scanned with based materials has created an
fabrication process we have built international reputation for NIC’s
our solution; it has also been sold • NIWA
silicon nanostructures, for which we Rafter Radiocarbon Laboratory.
in North America. The benefits are • Landcare Research
hold an international patent. These For over 50 years the Rafter
quickly realised, with payback on the
are tiny silicon-based structures Radiocarbon team has delivered expert • The
investment usually within six months. MacDiarmid Institute
that are highly conductive to small analysis for, and entered numerous
Another successful NIC solution amounts of electricity and emit bright
measures the fat content of meat (both professional collaborations with, a wide
light. They could well become a key range of clients including geologists,
loose and boxed). This allows meat
processors to ensure all their meat has
component of the next-generation climate-change researchers, Discover more: 1.
television and computer screens. antiquarians, and archaeologists.
national
isotope
centre
the ideal fat percentage to maximise These will be highly energy efficient,
Today, this strong foundation
financial return. Because all of the meat brighter, sharper and faster to respond To know more about New Zealand’s worlds of In numerous ways, the expertise of
GNS Science leads to discoveries
that enrich our world.
is scanned in real time, this solution than plasma and LCD screens. enables us to expand the horizons National Isotope Centre please visit discovery
national
of radiocarbon dating. We support
is far more reliable than sampling
techniques. When necessary, meat can
In another exciting development,
we are modifying zinc oxide material
research in a host of other scientific www.gns.cri.nz/nic Discover more at
www.gns.cri.nz/nic
simply be repackaged to achieve the areas, including archaeology, geology, 2.
to produce diodes that are highly atmospheric studies, and dating of
ideal fat percentage. In a competitive or call us on
efficient emitters of light. This is likely
isotope
past earthquakes and eruptions.
For innovation
and technology
industry, the savings are major. This
to lead to a new generation of Light
Gaining
insights
+64 4 570 1444
Enhancin into
Opening g the healthreal rates of
business fresh opportun and safety climate
change.
In these es. Striving ities for of all New Zealande
We even determine the ages of
for a sustainaNew Zealand
of GNS and numerou rs.
Science s other ble For public health
that enrich areas, future.
Discovery
is continua and safety
tion
the expertise
NIC-developed scanner is licensed to a
our world. lly leading
to discover
Inspira
ies
Emitting Diodes (LED) for domestic and For the nt For a
environme sustainable
future
US company and is sold globally. deep ocean fish species to advise
industrial use. Similarly, these would be government on management and
Working with industry partners, our 3.
brighter and more energy efficient than sustainability of fish stocks. or Email us at
centre
team continually has new scanners existing technology.
For
and innova
techn tion
ology
under development – always helping to nic@gns.cri.nz Discoveryon
Insp
irati
For
and public
For
safety health
a
sustai
deliver a powerful edge.
futurenable
t
the
For nmen
enviro
NIC Location Principal Location Other Locations
National Isotope Centre GNS Science Dunedin Research Centre Wairakei Research Centre
30 Gracefield Road 1 Fairway Drive, Avalon 764 Cumberland Street 114 Karetoto Road
Lower Hutt 5010 Lower Hutt 5010 Dunedin 9016 Wairakei 3377
PO Box 31312 PO Box 30368 Private Bag 1930 Private Bag 2000
Lower Hutt 5040 Lower Hutt 5040 Dunedin 9054 Taupo 3352
New Zealand New Zealand New Zealand New Zealand
T +64-4-570 1444 T +64-4-570 1444 T +64-3-477 4050 T +64-7-374 8211
F +64-4-570 4657 F +64-4-570 4600 F +64-3-477 5232 F +64-7-374 8199

and learning in isotope sciences.
opportunities for hands-on experience
research facilities, and offer them
We give students access to our
expanding their education portfolios.
are proud to assist universities in
Also important to the future, we
water environments from pollutants
• Assisting the protection of land and
• Ensuring food safety and security
of water and geothermal resources
• Supporting effective management
Our research includes:
• Assessing food quality
impacts on air quality
makeup of toxic emissions and their
• Pinpointing the exact source and
drinking, irrigation and recreation
aquifiers and their suitability for
• Water dating to understand
focus includes:
Our public health and safety
resources
Zealand’s petroleum and gas
a sustainable way from New
understand and to benefit in
• Developing techniques to better
of the future
application for commercial products
nanotechnology and the potential
• Researching different aspects of
readiness for market
product type, quality and
• Offering detailed insight into
timber and metal
and materials such as meat, fruit,
composition of specific products
for industry, to analyse the
• Developing non-invasive scanners
revolves around:
Our key commercial work
Action
Ice
The NIC’s Ice Core Research
Laboratory is a new purpose-built
state-of-the-art cold storage and
research centre, where scientists
push the frontiers of climate-change
research.
Ice cores from up to 700m depth are
retrieved mainly from Antarctica and
New Zealand’s Southern Alps. New
Zealand is a key geographical location
in such study, as we’re at the boundary
of the polar front between northerly
and southerly airflow systems.
In conjunction with researchers from
other national and overseas centres,
NIC scientists are unravelling southern
hemisphere climate evolution over
the last several thousand years. The
analysis of the ice, its impurities, and
the air trapped in the ice is improving
our understanding of what drives
climate change. This also provides
crucial knowledge to forecast future
climate impacts on New Zealand.
internationally.
locally, nationally and
sustainable use of resources,
long-term protection and
working to support the
In numerous ways, we are
Millennium Development Goals.
as well as the United Nations’
Health, Agriculture and Energy,
Development for Clean Water,
World Summit on Sustainable
by protocols such as the
importance. This is recognised
sustainability take on ever more
threatened, issues of
environments increasingly
increasingly scarce, and
As global resources become
the world.
around New Zealand and
organisations and communities
this understanding with
safety issues – and share
understand key health and
research to monitor and better
We undertake diverse
forms of life.
– for people and all other
essential to health and safety
Air, water and land are all
player.
New Zealand being a global
scientific advances. It’s about
gains long-term benefit from
helping to ensure New Zealand
commercial solutions, we are
understanding and deliver
nationally and globally to build
businesses and organisations
understanding. By working with
as a key to new technology and
sciences are widely recognised
Around the world, isotope
success of New Zealand.
drive the future economic
exploring opportunities to
The NIC is continually
Soil
Predicting how soils will influence
and respond to climate change
is a critical aspect of managing
agricultural and forest ecosystems.
Soils store carbon in their organic
matter – they currently hold more
carbon than the atmosphere and all
the world’s plants combined.
However, the capacity of soil to hold
organic matter is sensitive to climate.
Soils are predicted to react to local
warming by releasing carbon as
carbon dioxide, the most important
greenhouse gas causing global
warming. This positive feedback
accelerates the speed of climate
change. Soil organic matter also
underpins the health of ecosystems,
sustaining plant production through
nutrient and water retention.
How much soil carbon could be
released by local warming, causing
more global warming and pressure
on sensitive ecosystems? Research
at the NIC on carbon cycling in soils
will deliver improved understanding
of how fast and how much soils are
likely to respond to climate change.
This in turn will suggest which soil
management practices are most likely
to mitigate environmental damage – by
maximising soil organic matter.
future
sustainable
For a
and safety
For public health
and technology
For innovation
Water
Water Dating Laboratory specialists
are delivering powerful knowledge
for protecting and cleaning up
our lakes.
Using the isotope signature of water,
our scientists are finding out the exact
ages of many different sources of
groundwater travelling into our lakes.
This allows them to determine the
water’s nitrate contamination over time.
A good example is the clear
picture now being built up of how
long groundwater takes to reach
Lake Rotorua, where much of the
groundwater is 30 to 100 years old.
This will enable land to be “retired” in
the most effective places. Because the
natural nitrate levels in old groundwater
are being determined, present changes
in groundwater and lake contamination
can also be identified. Further, we are
able to accurately forecast future levels
of lake contamination, as groundwater
feeds into the lake.
This understanding is vital to effective
action. Ten springs feed into Lake
Rotorua. The volume of groundwater in
just one of them is five times that of the
whole lake!
In other areas of New Zealand, NIC
groundwater dating specialists are
working to understand the size and
flow of groundwater systems. This is
crucial: over-extraction of water means
the whole system collapses. Knowing
what the resource can bear means it
can be used in a sustainable way.
climate change.
readiness for potential impacts of
and the country’s preparation and
New Zealand government policy,
helping to support development of
Zealand’s unique situation and needs,
• Stable isotope laboratory
climate change. We also explore New
input into the global response to • Water dating laboratory
and storage
programs are providing significant
The outcomes of these research • Ice core research laboratory
• Ion beam implantation and analysis
gas emissions and absorptions
on knowledge. New Zealand • Linear accelerators
• Quantify New Zealand’s greenhouse
solutions. Success depends Lower Hutt 5040 benefit to New Zealand.
Core NIC equipment:
and land social and technological PO Box 31312 fact that it needs to be of long-term
of carbon in the water, atmosphere the search for innovative GNS Science support staff. at the heart of all our work is the
• Gain insight into changing levels Zealand has committed to National Isotope Centre scientists and technicians, plus applications around the globe. But
the Kyoto protocol, New New Zealand, and employs 45 We deliver research and industry
climate changes Email nic@gns.cri.nz
future generations. By signing GNS Science, based in Lower Hutt, associated commercial applications.
trends as well as abrupt
to the world’s present and Call +64 4 570 1444 The NIC is an integral part of of isotope science expertise and
• Understand long-term climate
of fundamental importance analysis, and water dating. Zealand’s number one provider
environment Visit www.gns.cri.nz/nic
research to: greenhouse gas issues are ion beam analysis, stable isotope around the world. The NIC is New
Our scientific teams do Global climate change and For the please contact us. Centre (NIC) is highly regarded
teams focus on radiocarbon dating,
can support your work or project, research. Our applied commercial The work of the National Isotope
site. To discuss how our expertise nanotechnology, and hydrocarbons of science and in many industries.
NIC and GNS Science on our web protection and sustainability, for advances in nearly all branches
You can find out more about the climate research, environmental Isotope sciences offer opportunities
Inspiration Contact us Our basic science teams span World-leading expertise
Discovery
that enrich our world.
of GNS Science is continually leading to discoveries
In these and numerous other areas, the expertise
businesses. Striving for a sustainable future.
Opening fresh opportunities for New Zealand
Enhancing the health and safety of all New Zealanders.
Gaining insights into real rates of climate change.
Zealand businesses and the economy.
technological opportunities for New
applications which provide significant
present and future. Isotopes also have
ecological and environmental past,
a material allows us to understand its
analysis of the distinctive isotopes of
fertilisers, pesticides. Therefore,
– air pollutants, water contaminants,
water, oil, wood, rock, soil – or artificial
sources. The source may be natural –
their physical, chemical and biological
element to decipher their genesis and
varieties (isotopes) of the same
(weight) differences between different
activities is to make use of the mass
The key purpose of our scientific
centre
isotope past, present and future
national Isotopes – keys to the
Primary Products
The ISOSCAN team has developed
many prototype real time and non-
The NIC provides a range of advice, services and
invasive scanning systems. Several
collaborations at both a national and international level.
of these world-first systems have
Key collaborators include:
been successfully commercialised
for the timber, horticulture, meat,
and mineral industries.
• University of Auckland • New Zealand
One example is a scanner to
• Victoria
Local Government authorities
measure the green density University of Wellington
(incorporating wetness) of timber.
• University
• New Zealand
of Canterbury
This enables mills to easily sort each Central Government agencies
piece of timber, before kiln drying, • University of Otago
• New Zealand industry
so the drying time ensures the
• University of Waikato
correct final moisture content.
The increased accuracy means • Lincoln University
• Australian
Nuclear Science and
less timber is over-dried, and there Atomic structures • Massey University
Technology Organisation
is far less chance of warping. That in
NIC scientists are developing
turn means less wastage when timber • International
Atomic
worlds of
prototype nanostructures (atomic-
is planed to straight. Further, because Energy Agency
scale structures) that will form the • Industrial Research
kiln time is more efficient, there are Carbon-based materials
basis of electronic equipment of • US and European universities
big energy savings. • Crop and Food Research
the future. Accurate dating of carbon-
In Australia around 80 percent of all
discovery
For example, using our unique • HortResearch
structural timber is now scanned with based materials has created an
fabrication process we have built international reputation for NIC’s
our solution; it has also been sold • NIWA
silicon nanostructures, for which we Rafter Radiocarbon Laboratory.
in North America. The benefits are • Landcare Research
hold an international patent. These For over 50 years the Rafter
quickly realised, with payback on the
are tiny silicon-based structures Radiocarbon team has delivered expert • The
investment usually within six months. MacDiarmid Institute
that are highly conductive to small analysis for, and entered numerous
Another successful NIC solution amounts of electricity and emit bright
measures the fat content of meat (both professional collaborations with, a wide
light. They could well become a key range of clients including geologists,
loose and boxed). This allows meat
processors to ensure all their meat has
component of the next-generation climate-change researchers, Discover more: 1.
television and computer screens. antiquarians, and archaeologists.
national
isotope
centre
the ideal fat percentage to maximise These will be highly energy efficient,
Today, this strong foundation
financial return. Because all of the meat brighter, sharper and faster to respond To know more about New Zealand’s worlds of In numerous ways, the expertise of
GNS Science leads to discoveries
that enrich our world.
is scanned in real time, this solution than plasma and LCD screens. enables us to expand the horizons National Isotope Centre please visit discovery
national
of radiocarbon dating. We support
is far more reliable than sampling
techniques. When necessary, meat can
In another exciting development,
we are modifying zinc oxide material
research in a host of other scientific www.gns.cri.nz/nic Discover more at
www.gns.cri.nz/nic
simply be repackaged to achieve the areas, including archaeology, geology, 2.
to produce diodes that are highly atmospheric studies, and dating of
ideal fat percentage. In a competitive or call us on
efficient emitters of light. This is likely
isotope
past earthquakes and eruptions.
For innovation
and technology
industry, the savings are major. This
to lead to a new generation of Light
Gaining
insights
+64 4 570 1444
Enhancin into
Opening g the healthreal rates of
business fresh opportun and safety climate
change.
In these es. Striving ities for of all New Zealande
We even determine the ages of
for a sustainaNew Zealand
of GNS and numerou rs.
Science s other ble For public health
that enrich areas, future.
Discovery
is continua and safety
tion
the expertise
NIC-developed scanner is licensed to a
our world. lly leading
to discover
Inspira
ies
Emitting Diodes (LED) for domestic and For the nt For a
environme sustainable
future
US company and is sold globally. deep ocean fish species to advise
industrial use. Similarly, these would be government on management and
Working with industry partners, our 3.
brighter and more energy efficient than sustainability of fish stocks. or Email us at
centre
team continually has new scanners existing technology.
For
and innova
techn tion
ology
under development – always helping to nic@gns.cri.nz Discoveryon
Insp
irati
For
and public
For
safety health
a
sustai
deliver a powerful edge.
futurenable
t
the
For nmen
enviro
NIC Location Principal Location Other Locations
National Isotope Centre GNS Science Dunedin Research Centre Wairakei Research Centre
30 Gracefield Road 1 Fairway Drive, Avalon 764 Cumberland Street 114 Karetoto Road
Lower Hutt 5010 Lower Hutt 5010 Dunedin 9016 Wairakei 3377
PO Box 31312 PO Box 30368 Private Bag 1930 Private Bag 2000
Lower Hutt 5040 Lower Hutt 5040 Dunedin 9054 Taupo 3352
New Zealand New Zealand New Zealand New Zealand
T +64-4-570 1444 T +64-4-570 1444 T +64-3-477 4050 T +64-7-374 8211
F +64-4-570 4657 F +64-4-570 4600 F +64-3-477 5232 F +64-7-374 8199

and learning in isotope sciences.
opportunities for hands-on experience
research facilities, and offer them
We give students access to our
expanding their education portfolios.
are proud to assist universities in
Also important to the future, we
water environments from pollutants
• Assisting the protection of land and
• Ensuring food safety and security
of water and geothermal resources
• Supporting effective management
Our research includes:
• Assessing food quality
impacts on air quality
makeup of toxic emissions and their
• Pinpointing the exact source and
drinking, irrigation and recreation
aquifiers and their suitability for
• Water dating to understand
focus includes:
Our public health and safety
resources
Zealand’s petroleum and gas
a sustainable way from New
understand and to benefit in
• Developing techniques to better
of the future
application for commercial products
nanotechnology and the potential
• Researching different aspects of
readiness for market
product type, quality and
• Offering detailed insight into
timber and metal
and materials such as meat, fruit,
composition of specific products
for industry, to analyse the
• Developing non-invasive scanners
revolves around:
Our key commercial work
Action
Ice
The NIC’s Ice Core Research
Laboratory is a new purpose-built
state-of-the-art cold storage and
research centre, where scientists
push the frontiers of climate-change
research.
Ice cores from up to 700m depth are
retrieved mainly from Antarctica and
New Zealand’s Southern Alps. New
Zealand is a key geographical location
in such study, as we’re at the boundary
of the polar front between northerly
and southerly airflow systems.
In conjunction with researchers from
other national and overseas centres,
NIC scientists are unravelling southern
hemisphere climate evolution over
the last several thousand years. The
analysis of the ice, its impurities, and
the air trapped in the ice is improving
our understanding of what drives
climate change. This also provides
crucial knowledge to forecast future
climate impacts on New Zealand.
internationally.
locally, nationally and
sustainable use of resources,
long-term protection and
working to support the
In numerous ways, we are
Millennium Development Goals.
as well as the United Nations’
Health, Agriculture and Energy,
Development for Clean Water,
World Summit on Sustainable
by protocols such as the
importance. This is recognised
sustainability take on ever more
threatened, issues of
environments increasingly
increasingly scarce, and
As global resources become
the world.
around New Zealand and
organisations and communities
this understanding with
safety issues – and share
understand key health and
research to monitor and better
We undertake diverse
forms of life.
– for people and all other
essential to health and safety
Air, water and land are all
player.
New Zealand being a global
scientific advances. It’s about
gains long-term benefit from
helping to ensure New Zealand
commercial solutions, we are
understanding and deliver
nationally and globally to build
businesses and organisations
understanding. By working with
as a key to new technology and
sciences are widely recognised
Around the world, isotope
success of New Zealand.
drive the future economic
exploring opportunities to
The NIC is continually
Soil
Predicting how soils will influence
and respond to climate change
is a critical aspect of managing
agricultural and forest ecosystems.
Soils store carbon in their organic
matter – they currently hold more
carbon than the atmosphere and all
the world’s plants combined.
However, the capacity of soil to hold
organic matter is sensitive to climate.
Soils are predicted to react to local
warming by releasing carbon as
carbon dioxide, the most important
greenhouse gas causing global
warming. This positive feedback
accelerates the speed of climate
change. Soil organic matter also
underpins the health of ecosystems,
sustaining plant production through
nutrient and water retention.
How much soil carbon could be
released by local warming, causing
more global warming and pressure
on sensitive ecosystems? Research
at the NIC on carbon cycling in soils
will deliver improved understanding
of how fast and how much soils are
likely to respond to climate change.
This in turn will suggest which soil
management practices are most likely
to mitigate environmental damage – by
maximising soil organic matter.
future
sustainable
For a
and safety
For public health
and technology
For innovation
Water
Water Dating Laboratory specialists
are delivering powerful knowledge
for protecting and cleaning up
our lakes.
Using the isotope signature of water,
our scientists are finding out the exact
ages of many different sources of
groundwater travelling into our lakes.
This allows them to determine the
water’s nitrate contamination over time.
A good example is the clear
picture now being built up of how
long groundwater takes to reach
Lake Rotorua, where much of the
groundwater is 30 to 100 years old.
This will enable land to be “retired” in
the most effective places. Because the
natural nitrate levels in old groundwater
are being determined, present changes
in groundwater and lake contamination
can also be identified. Further, we are
able to accurately forecast future levels
of lake contamination, as groundwater
feeds into the lake.
This understanding is vital to effective
action. Ten springs feed into Lake
Rotorua. The volume of groundwater in
just one of them is five times that of the
whole lake!
In other areas of New Zealand, NIC
groundwater dating specialists are
working to understand the size and
flow of groundwater systems. This is
crucial: over-extraction of water means
the whole system collapses. Knowing
what the resource can bear means it
can be used in a sustainable way.
climate change.
readiness for potential impacts of
and the country’s preparation and
New Zealand government policy,
helping to support development of
Zealand’s unique situation and needs,
• Stable isotope laboratory
climate change. We also explore New
input into the global response to • Water dating laboratory
and storage
programs are providing significant
The outcomes of these research • Ice core research laboratory
• Ion beam implantation and analysis
gas emissions and absorptions
on knowledge. New Zealand • Linear accelerators
• Quantify New Zealand’s greenhouse
solutions. Success depends Lower Hutt 5040 benefit to New Zealand.
Core NIC equipment:
and land social and technological PO Box 31312 fact that it needs to be of long-term
of carbon in the water, atmosphere the search for innovative GNS Science support staff. at the heart of all our work is the
• Gain insight into changing levels Zealand has committed to National Isotope Centre scientists and technicians, plus applications around the globe. But
the Kyoto protocol, New New Zealand, and employs 45 We deliver research and industry
climate changes Email nic@gns.cri.nz
future generations. By signing GNS Science, based in Lower Hutt, associated commercial applications.
trends as well as abrupt
to the world’s present and Call +64 4 570 1444 The NIC is an integral part of of isotope science expertise and
• Understand long-term climate
of fundamental importance analysis, and water dating. Zealand’s number one provider
environment Visit www.gns.cri.nz/nic
research to: greenhouse gas issues are ion beam analysis, stable isotope around the world. The NIC is New
Our scientific teams do Global climate change and For the please contact us. Centre (NIC) is highly regarded
teams focus on radiocarbon dating,
can support your work or project, research. Our applied commercial The work of the National Isotope
site. To discuss how our expertise nanotechnology, and hydrocarbons of science and in many industries.
NIC and GNS Science on our web protection and sustainability, for advances in nearly all branches
You can find out more about the climate research, environmental Isotope sciences offer opportunities
Inspiration Contact us Our basic science teams span World-leading expertise
Discovery
that enrich our world.
of GNS Science is continually leading to discoveries
In these and numerous other areas, the expertise
businesses. Striving for a sustainable future.
Opening fresh opportunities for New Zealand
Enhancing the health and safety of all New Zealanders.
Gaining insights into real rates of climate change.
Zealand businesses and the economy.
technological opportunities for New
applications which provide significant
present and future. Isotopes also have
ecological and environmental past,
a material allows us to understand its
analysis of the distinctive isotopes of
fertilisers, pesticides. Therefore,
– air pollutants, water contaminants,
water, oil, wood, rock, soil – or artificial
sources. The source may be natural –
their physical, chemical and biological
element to decipher their genesis and
varieties (isotopes) of the same
(weight) differences between different
activities is to make use of the mass
The key purpose of our scientific
centre
isotope past, present and future
national Isotopes – keys to the
Primary Products
The ISOSCAN team has developed
many prototype real time and non-
The NIC provides a range of advice, services and
invasive scanning systems. Several
collaborations at both a national and international level.
of these world-first systems have
Key collaborators include:
been successfully commercialised
for the timber, horticulture, meat,
and mineral industries.
• University of Auckland • New Zealand
One example is a scanner to
• Victoria
Local Government authorities
measure the green density University of Wellington
(incorporating wetness) of timber.
• University
• New Zealand
of Canterbury
This enables mills to easily sort each Central Government agencies
piece of timber, before kiln drying, • University of Otago
• New Zealand industry
so the drying time ensures the
• University of Waikato
correct final moisture content.
The increased accuracy means • Lincoln University
• Australian
Nuclear Science and
less timber is over-dried, and there Atomic structures • Massey University
Technology Organisation
is far less chance of warping. That in
NIC scientists are developing
turn means less wastage when timber • International
Atomic
worlds of
prototype nanostructures (atomic-
is planed to straight. Further, because Energy Agency
scale structures) that will form the • Industrial Research
kiln time is more efficient, there are Carbon-based materials
basis of electronic equipment of • US and European universities
big energy savings. • Crop and Food Research
the future. Accurate dating of carbon-
In Australia around 80 percent of all
discovery
For example, using our unique • HortResearch
structural timber is now scanned with based materials has created an
fabrication process we have built international reputation for NIC’s
our solution; it has also been sold • NIWA
silicon nanostructures, for which we Rafter Radiocarbon Laboratory.
in North America. The benefits are • Landcare Research
hold an international patent. These For over 50 years the Rafter
quickly realised, with payback on the
are tiny silicon-based structures Radiocarbon team has delivered expert • The
investment usually within six months. MacDiarmid Institute
that are highly conductive to small analysis for, and entered numerous
Another successful NIC solution amounts of electricity and emit bright
measures the fat content of meat (both professional collaborations with, a wide
light. They could well become a key range of clients including geologists,
loose and boxed). This allows meat
processors to ensure all their meat has
component of the next-generation climate-change researchers, Discover more: 1.
television and computer screens. antiquarians, and archaeologists.
national
isotope
centre
the ideal fat percentage to maximise These will be highly energy efficient,
Today, this strong foundation
financial return. Because all of the meat brighter, sharper and faster to respond To know more about New Zealand’s worlds of In numerous ways, the expertise of
GNS Science leads to discoveries
that enrich our world.
is scanned in real time, this solution than plasma and LCD screens. enables us to expand the horizons National Isotope Centre please visit discovery
national
of radiocarbon dating. We support
is far more reliable than sampling
techniques. When necessary, meat can
In another exciting development,
we are modifying zinc oxide material
research in a host of other scientific www.gns.cri.nz/nic Discover more at
www.gns.cri.nz/nic
simply be repackaged to achieve the areas, including archaeology, geology, 2.
to produce diodes that are highly atmospheric studies, and dating of
ideal fat percentage. In a competitive or call us on
efficient emitters of light. This is likely
isotope
past earthquakes and eruptions.
For innovation
and technology
industry, the savings are major. This
to lead to a new generation of Light
Gaining
insights
+64 4 570 1444
Enhancin into
Opening g the healthreal rates of
business fresh opportun and safety climate
change.
In these es. Striving ities for of all New Zealande
We even determine the ages of
for a sustainaNew Zealand
of GNS and numerou rs.
Science s other ble For public health
that enrich areas, future.
Discovery
is continua and safety
tion
the expertise
NIC-developed scanner is licensed to a
our world. lly leading
to discover
Inspira
ies
Emitting Diodes (LED) for domestic and For the nt For a
environme sustainable
future
US company and is sold globally. deep ocean fish species to advise
industrial use. Similarly, these would be government on management and
Working with industry partners, our 3.
brighter and more energy efficient than sustainability of fish stocks. or Email us at
centre
team continually has new scanners existing technology.
For
and innova
techn tion
ology
under development – always helping to nic@gns.cri.nz Discoveryon
Insp
irati
For
and public
For
safety health
a
sustai
deliver a powerful edge.
futurenable
t
the
For nmen
enviro
NIC Location Principal Location Other Locations
National Isotope Centre GNS Science Dunedin Research Centre Wairakei Research Centre
30 Gracefield Road 1 Fairway Drive, Avalon 764 Cumberland Street 114 Karetoto Road
Lower Hutt 5010 Lower Hutt 5010 Dunedin 9016 Wairakei 3377
PO Box 31312 PO Box 30368 Private Bag 1930 Private Bag 2000
Lower Hutt 5040 Lower Hutt 5040 Dunedin 9054 Taupo 3352
New Zealand New Zealand New Zealand New Zealand
T +64-4-570 1444 T +64-4-570 1444 T +64-3-477 4050 T +64-7-374 8211
F +64-4-570 4657 F +64-4-570 4600 F +64-3-477 5232 F +64-7-374 8199