NIWA
NIWA, the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, is Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading provider of climate, freshwater and ocean science. In 2016, NIWA sought a brand refresh that reinforce their unique story, reflect their dynamic and innovative research, and strengthen their ability to extend the brand across multiple products and channels. NIWA are world class independent thinkers, our goal was to create a brand identity that would support such globally recognised environmental experts.
Inspiration for the identity came from the Māori name Taihoro Nukurangi which describes NIWA’s work in studying the waterways and the interface between the earth and the sky. Taihoro is the flow and movement of water (From tai ‘coast’ and horo which means fast moving). Nukurangi is the interface between the sea and the sky (i.e. the atmosphere). Together, NIWA have taken it to mean ‘where the water meets the sky’.
This led us to develop the NIWA globe symbol, representing the dynamics of the interrelated world they operate in and their close relationship with the land and people. The globe illustrates NIWA’s three main science platforms – climate, freshwater and ocean science – with graphical elements that can be interpreted as isobars, braided rivers and bathymetry around a stylised Aotearoa, New Zealand.
The NIWA signage programme has been implemented across Aotearoa, with striking hero plinths signalling main research centres and internal environmental graphics celebrating the innovation of NIWA’s local scientists. The focus of NIWA’s aquaculture research was captured through large scale Haku Kingfish murals throughout their Northland office.
The NIWA Globe App was developed as an internal presentation tool to support NIWA’s position as the world leaders in Climate, Freshwater & Marine Science. The interactive globe allows users to present their research through editable slides while ensuring NIWA’s brand is presented consistently and professionally.
The NIWA Weather App was developed on the premise that people look for the weather window in the day. Harnessing NIWA’s ability to provide hourly forecasts up to 5 days out, we used a graphic spectrum of colour to create an accurate at-a-glance view of the weather.
