This month I curled up on the couch with Shaun Barnett’s new book, A Wild Life: Photographs from the backcountry of Aotearoa. His exquisite images span three decades and depict not only a life’s work but also the extraordinary diversity of our natural landscape. There’s a quiet grace to the photos, and as I turned the pages I was left in awe of all there is still to explore.

I also had a chat with Shaun’s long-time publisher and friend, Robbie Burton, about the book and their collaborations.

Earlier in the month I attended the funeral of a friend’s father. Like Shaun, he was devoted to his family and community, found his life’s purpose early on and never deviated. He was  a volunteer firefighter for more than 50 years, and a keen tramper and an avid reader of Wilderness.

These moments led me to think about what a life well-lived can look like, and how a life’s work is a bit like a serious tramp. It involves putting one foot in front of the other in all kinds of weather. Not all of those steps will be memorable in and of themselves, but they can add up to something significant. 

It was a nudge to get out there more often with the people I love.

Shaun’s book also serves as a reminder to keep standing up for those places he brought home to us in his work to ensure they still exist for future generations – and not just as photographs. Keep an eye on the Fast-track Approvals Bill – by the time this magazine comes out the select committee is expected to have reported back to Parliament with recommendations.