Aotea Ecology Vision is bringing Tairāwhiti Gisborne’s hunter and conservationist Hamiora Gibson to Aotea from 23 to 26 of May (this month!).

As ‘Stuff’ reported, “it’s a good day when you meet someone whose vision and enthusiasm for their work is so infectious it makes the world feel like a better place”.

Known on social media as ‘Sam the Trap Man’, Sam is a skilled bushman and educator whose works bring people together to help save the taonga of our environment.

A hunter, gather, and a conservationist, Sam returned to his home in Tairawhiti and established a hunter led conservation project that is bringing Whio back from the brink of local extinction.

Join Sam on one of a series of walks on Aotea when he will share his bush knowledge, including on edible plants and foraging tips, as well as the role many plants and animals play in our natural environment.

Walk 1: Aotea Schools/Kura senior classes

Date: Friday 24 May

Location: Windy Hill sanctuary

Time: 10:00am start with a lunch break followed by a short Q&A

Length: Approx. 3hrs

Description: This walk has been set up for senior class students of our three primary kura. Sam will share his story from a young keen hunter to where he is today and showcase his expert knowledge on flora and fauna. Sam works with youth and schools capturing their imaginations and inspiring them to learn more about our natural surroundings.

This walk is for students only, not open to general public

Walk 2: Hunter Gatherers – Good level of fitness required

Date: Saturday 25 May

Location: TBC, likely Windy Hill Sanctuary

Time: 2:00pm

Length: Approx. 2hrs

RSVP – make sure you get in touch! Limited numbers

Pick up & drop off available along the main trunk from Okiwi South

Description: Sam is a keen hunter gatherer. After his first visit to Aotea last year for the EcoFest, he shared a desire to catch up with locals who have similar interests and what he has learnt to look out for when out hunting over the years that just might make a difference on the next hunt. This walk will not just be for hunters though, rather anyone who loves to explore the bush, forage, hike or just wants to learn a whole heap about Aotea’s unique bush landscape is welcome. Hunting will be a focus topic for discussion as will mahinga kai.

Followed by a beverage with Sam.

Walk 3: Community Groups & Volunteers – Good level of fitness required

Date: Sunday 26 May

Location: Glenfern Sanctuary

Time: 1:00 pm

Length: Approx. 2 hrs

RSVP – make sure you get in touch! Limited numbers

Description: The final walk of Sams stay will be for all our eco warriors out there that are involved in or have a passion for the restoration and rehabilitation of Aotea’s environment. Sam will share his wide range of bush knowledge, mahinga kai , and also discuss his experiences with pest control efforts and some of the success he has seen over the years from these. Included will be the opportunity to hear about the Eastern Whio Link Project which is hunter and fisherman-led conservation project in the upper reaches of the Waioeka Gorge (between Opotiki and Gisborne) with a goal to protect the whio (blue duck).

RSVP required for walks 2 & 3

Contact Thomas Daly at

thomas@envirokiwi.co.nz | 022 303 4562