A day at the office for NIWA scientists can mean anything from taking a helicopter into the Southern Alps to check a weather station, to diving in the ocean to monitor various natural habitats or standing in rivers or lakes conducting water quality tests.
And every so often it means being in the vast expanse of Antarctcia.
These stunning environments which form the backdrop for the vast array of environmental science undertaken by NIWA has led to annual photographic competition for staff.
The competition is unique for the diversity of images which this year includes panoramic scenic shots, birdlife and a little bit of humour.
The winners for 2015 were announced at NIWA’s annual Excellence Awards ceremony in Auckland last night.
Scientific diver Crispin Middleton won the Our People section for a photography he calls “Toado Selfie.” Taken at the Poor Knights Marine Reserve, he is surrounded by panicked Starry Toado Pufferfish. These fish are rarely seen and usually live in deep open water. On rare occasions they stray too close to land and get attacked by hungry kingfish and snapper.
The judges – photography professionals Ross Giblin of Fairfax Media, Gerry le Roux from Science Lens and NIWA’s Dave Allen, commented that the world would be a better place “if more selfies were this good”.
Other section winners were:
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Our Places – Rob Murdoch, Penguins on Ice:
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Our Work – Alison Kohout, Ice Edge:
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Special Award - Alvin Setiawan, Tui in Flight:
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Public Choice – Chris Brandolino, Army Bay, Whangaparoa:
The judges commented on the extraordinary variety of work carried out by NIWA staff which offered unique photographic opportunities. NIWA was widely known for the excellence of its imagery.