Earth Sciences NZ has selected Wflow as its preferred, open-source hydrological data modelling option to take forward for further testing and development.
Channa Rajanayaka, Principal Scientist - Groundwater and Hydrological Modelling at Earth Sciences NZ, led the evaluation process and said that transitioning to Wflow would strengthen Earth Science’s next generation hydrological modelling capability.
The evaluation process was supported by Doug Booker, Chief Scientist - Future Water.
Channa Rajanayaka
Earth Sciences NZ is a leading provider of hydrological modelling and analysis across a broad range of scenarios and for many public and private organisation in New Zealand and overseas.
It currently uses a closed-source modelling system developed in-house which will be progressively phased out over time.
Earth Sciences NZ assessed 22 different models and involved around 20 staff in the process which considered scientific quality, ability to model New Zealand’s complex terrain and climate, usefulness for water security work, technical sustainability, and potential to support future revenue.
Wflow was ranked first because it is well suited to New Zealand’s steep terrain, variable rainfall and connected river and catchment systems. It is also flexible, scalable, and aligned with modern modelling approaches, including high-performance computing, data assimilation, and future AI-enabled workflows.
Earth Sciences has a staged implementation plan which will allow capability, workflows, and national and Pacific partnerships to be developed and transitioned in a managed way over the coming years.
“Overall, Wflow represents a robust, strategically sound, and forward-looking choice that positions Earth Sciences NZ to meet both current needs and future challenges in hydrological modelling, in New Zealand and across the Pacific,” Channa said.