Niwa annual photography competition: Flying fish 'a jewel' from the sea

From one Pole to the other, Niwa scientists work in some of the world's most extraordinary landscapes. On any given day you might find a Niwa staff member under the ocean, on the ice, atop a mountain or deep in a lake or river.

These stunning environments are celebrated each year in an annual photography competition for staff.

A flying fish jumps out of the water at the Poor Knights Islands, this image won the overall prize. Photo / Crispin Middleton

The winner of this year's award was specialist diver Crispin Middleton, with his photo entitled Underwater Angel, taken near the Poor Knights Islands. Middleton has been trying to capture photos of flying fish for years, but every time he tried they would simply dart away. This year he managed to get his shot by hovering above the fish where they would linger for a few seconds before darting away.

The judges described the flying fish as like a piece of jewellery set against a black background.

"It has beautiful colour and is a very detailed image. An iridescent jewel against the dark of the ocean, beautifully captured and nicely lit to show all its subtle colour. This would have been a rare shot to capture."

Lake Rotorua as night falls. Photo / Rob Murdoch

This shot of the glacial headwaters of the Rakaia River won the Freshwater section prize. Photo / Shannan Crow

Sunset at Tarn Ridge, Tararua Ranges. Photo / Ross Mitchell

Close-up with a southern Buller's albatross, and winner of the Our Work category. Photo / Rob Murdoch

Clear skies provide an astronomical view on a lookout near The Remarkables. Photo / Ayushi Kachhara