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The calibre and expertise of NHNZ staff has been affirmed at the 2007 Royal Society of New Zealand's esteemed annual awards.

The New Zealand Science Honours Awards recognize the achievements of scientists and technologists from around the country. The 2007 awards were held on Tuesday (November 20) at Dunedin's Town Hall and featured a gala banquet and presentations ceremony.

NHNZ producer Alison Ballance won the non fiction award in the inaugural Royal Society of New Zealand Manhire Prize for Creative Science Writing. Alison's essay Touchstones focused on the tangible impacts of climate change and was described by Judge Kim Hill as "a gem of concise eloquence".

Veteran NHNZ cameraman Max Quinn was acknowledged for his international contribution to Antarctica documentary coverage in keeping with the evening's theme of Cryospheric Science and Exploration.

NHNZ newcomer Jinty MacTavish also took centre stage when the competition-winning seven and half minute short film she made with three local secondary school students made its debut at the awards dinner. The group won the Big Science Adventure - a project sponsored by the Royal Society and the Freemasons - and travelled to Greenland earlier this year to make a short doco on the impact of climate change on Greenland.

NHNZ marketing manager Neil Harraway said the recognition affirmed the breadth of talent housed at the Dunedin-based production company which was an incubator for "ideas, creativity and excellence".

"We are extremely proud of their achievements. NHNZ attracts people who set or surpass high professional standards in filmmaking. From industry stalwarts to new generations of filmmakers, these individuals are the backbone of the company. Their talent and expertise is what sets us apart from other production companies," he said.