My two brothers and I were born in Dannevirke. Being raised on dairy farms throughout the Waikato provided a strong work ethic and a deep connection to the land from an early age. I completed my college years in Tokoroa, which has always felt like home to me.

We spent much of our childhood camping, fishing and shooting possums, rabbits and ducks alongside Dad, which laid the foundation for my lifelong passion for the outdoors.

Hunting is about the people you meet, the time spent with family and dogs, and the connection and respect you develop for the land. Make memories and value the time you have outdoors. Hunting is both a privilege and a responsibility.

Two people have had a significant influence on my hunting journey. My close school friend, Nathan Baird, with whom I’ve spent countless hours in the bush blocks, sourcing meat and Roar hunting. And Andrew ‘Croc’ Hamilton, who introduced me to pig hunting around fifteen years ago while I was privileged to be the principal of Maihiihi Primary School. From my very first hunt, I was hooked. Few experiences match the adrenaline of pig hunting.

Becoming a Council Member

I’ve been a member of the Te Kuiti Pig Hunting Club for over ten years, president for four of those. I’ve also been a committee member of the New Zealand Pig Hunting Association for the past four years.

I believe the Game Animal Council (GAC) has a crucial role to play in the present and future of hunting in New Zealand. If you want to be part of meaningful change, you need to step forward and contribute. With that in mind, I put my name forward, and two years ago, I was elected as a council member.

My primary goal is to see valued game animals managed responsibly and sustainably, ensuring that future generations have the same hunting opportunities I’ve been fortunate to experience.

Relationships are Essential

Hunters are the ‘boots on the ground’. We spend significant time in the backcountry and have a vested interest in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Protecting biodiversity not only benefits the environment but also promotes the sustainability and quality of animals.

It’s important that management decisions are balanced, evidence-based and recognise the role hunters play in conservation and sustainable game management. We need the right people in the right positions making sensible, data-driven and educated decisions in a collaborative way.

Strong, respectful relationships are essential to progress where we can acknowledge each other’s differences and still work together towards the broader shared goals.

New to Hunting?

If you’re new to hunting, I highly recommend joining a club and connecting with like-minded people – the community aspect is invaluable.

Check out the GAC’s free online hunter education training platform Better Hunting at betterhunting.nz. It provides courses, tools and resources and is the only training of its type in New Zealand.

Start simple – there’s no need to invest heavily in expensive gear initially. A quality pair of boots should be your first big purchase; a commitment to fitness and a strong understanding of bush safety are far more important. Put in the work and success will eventually come.

Happy hunting!

The NZ Game Animal Council is a statutory organisation working towards the sustainable management of game animals and hunting for recreation, communities, commerce and conservation.