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New Zealand-based prod co NHNZ is daring to go where few production houses have ever ventured as it enters its 30th year in the business.

The multi-award winning company began as a production unit within a state broadcaster's documentary department, becoming a stand alone operation in the mid 1990s before being bought by Fox in the late 1990s.

Just three months into the 08-09 financial year, NHNZ has all but reached its production target of 60 hours with more greenlights pending.

On the eve of its 30th anniversary the company's edit suites are full to bursting with some 110 staff, 47 hours of television in production and a further ten hours due to enter production.

The diversity of work underway - from one hour specials on rare and endangered wildlife to the powerfully presented second series of I Survived... for A&E Television Networks - reflects the depth of talent housed at the company's Dunedin headquarters.

Managing Director Michael Stedman puts NHNZ's phenomenal filmmaking success and longevity down to a combination of adaptability and Kiwi ingenuity.

"We're extremely good at anticipating what our clients want and we have an enviable reputation for being straight forward to work with. We continue to attract the best people the industry has to offer who bring a treasure trove of creative and technical expertise to our programs."

Over the past 12 months alone, NHNZ has expanded its graphics facilities to meet the growing demand for its cutting edge CGI and, established an emerging media division dedicated to capitalizing on new media opportunities.

Above all, NHNZ housed some of the best story tellers in the world, Mr Stedman said.

"We're constantly pushing the boundaries in documentary making. It's an approach that keeps our work fresh and yields repeat business with the most successful broadcasters around the world."

In addition to its offices in Washington and Beijing, NHNZ partly owns a Singapore'based production company and aims to grow its business further in China and Asia in coming years.

"We're the largest production company creating the most programming out of China and are a preferred partner of the Chinese Intercontinental Communication Center - a relationship we are very proud of.

"While many of our competitors have struggled to survive over the years, NHNZ has always been a trailblazer in a highly competitive and at times fickle industry. We thrive on delivering programs that people will talk about for years to come. It's in our collective DNA and injects our work with unparalleled energy," Mr Stedman said.

Present and former staff will celebrate the milestone at a special function in Dunedin early next year.