Sample Submission

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Please contact us to discuss your needs before sending samples to our laboratory.

1. How to send samples
2. Documentation
3. Sample Types
4. Reporting Times

1. How to send samples

Use courier dispatch or registered post is preferred. Samples are acknowledged on receipt and assigned a laboratory batch number. On customs forms, please indicate that your samples are “Water/rock/soil samples for Chemical Analysis – No commercial value”.

Note that samples containing caustic or corrosive solvents will require correct dangerous goods shipping methods.

The Wairakei Laboratory can also supply you with suitable sampling containers and instructions on how to take your samples.

Our Address:
Wairakei Analytical Laboratory
GNS Science
114 Karetoto Rd
SH1, Wairakei 3377
New Zealand

2. Documentation

Note: ALL overseas samples MUST be accompanied by a New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) import permit to comply with biosecurity regulations. The Wairakei Laboratory is a MAF registered transitional facility able to receive water, rock and soil samples from overseas. We can provide you with an import permit to accompany your samples.

All samples should be accompanied by the following documentation:

  • Full name and contact address of the submitter including telephone, fax numbers and e-mail address;
  • Number of samples and list of samples names;
  • Parameters to be analysed for, for each sample;
  • Details on any sample preservatives added;
  • Details of any special treatment required such as drying, filtering, etc.

If the samples are being sent from overseas, please do not forget to include the appropriate MAF import permit.

3. Sample Types

All liquid samples must be sent in resealable leak-proof screw topped bottles. Gas samples must be collected using appropriate techniques into glass Giggenbach bottles (rotoflos). Samples should be packed so that no damage occurs during transport. Any evidence of damage or loss of sample during transport will be reported to the client upon receipt of the samples.

4. Reporting Times

The typical turnaround time for analysis is 15 business days after the receipt of the samples at the Wairakei Laboratory. Shorter turnaround times are possible depending on laboratory workload. You will be notified upon the receipt of your samples.

Turnaround time is measured from date of receipt of samples to the date of sending of the unofficial e-mail report of the results (excluding non-business days). The official report is in hard copy form and is sent to the client by regular mail but can be sent by other means if required. The invoice for sampling and analytical services accompanies the hard copy report. The report is also accompanied by a Statement of Analysis that lists the sampling/analytical work performed and their respective costs.

The charge for preparation of special reports (those requiring special formatting or reformatting of report templates) is on an hourly basis of $100/hour.

If you require special reporting formats please contact us here.