Replacing terminals at NIWA's Mahanga Snow and Ice Weather Station.
NIWA has a network of high elevation weather stations known as the Snow and Ice Network. These measure snowfall, snow storage, snow melt, and alpine climate.
Here, environmental technician Jeremy Rutherford re-connects solar radiation sensor wires on the Mahanga Range station, approximately 6km north of Lake Rotomairewhenua/Blue Lake. This picture was taken by his colleague, fellow technician Alec Dempster, who leant back as far as his tethers would allow while using a wide-angle lens to capture the snow-covered peaks in the background.
“Working at these sites is always a mixture of excitement and extreme focus, but there are lots of little moments to sit back and appreciate the view. I love that the contrast between the snow and the bush line shows you just how high up we are. I like this image because it reveals the true nature of working in environments like this – it’s picturesque, cold and adrenaline-fuelled!” said Alec.