News articles

Iain B Campbell, one of NZ’s Antarctic soil pioneers, has just published a beautifully illustrated, authoritative description of the many unique features of the Antarctic Dry Valleys.

In 2026, New Zealand is Celebrating 80 years of NZ Soil Bureau, and 100 years of science working for NZ.

A new collection in our Digital Library has just gone live. It features soils publications from the early years of soil research in New Zealand, conducted by the Cawthron Institute.

Our 'Soil Horizons' newsletter communicates our work in soil-related research to stakeholders, customers and colleagues.

A significant update to S-map was released on 21 August 2025 – the final update from the partnership between Manaaki Whenua, MPI and 12 regional councils.

In collaboration with Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research, NZ Post is today issuing a set of 4 stamps depicting soils and the roles they play in our lives.

Issue 21 of our Pūtaiao (‘science’ in te reo Māori) Newsletter has been released. It focuses on our work in the soils and land domain.

The Joint NZSSS and SSA Conference was held at Rotorua from 2nd to 5th December 2024.

Our 'Soil Horizons' newsletter communicates our work in soil-related research to stakeholders, customers and colleagues.

A major update to S-map Online has been released on 29 August 2024. S-map Online is now at 41.2% of NZ covered and 11M ha in total.

Dr Philip John Tonkin has been compiling a comprehensive history of NZ soil survey.

Notification of a significant nationwide S-map update on 23rd April 2024.