Key Takeaways
- Labour MP Duncan Webb shares his intense first experience with tramping, including getting lost, suffering from hypothermia, and having a terrifying swim across a flooded river.
- ACT MP Cameron Luxton talks about his love for hunting and how it allows him to connect with nature and be part of the food chain.
- NZ First MP Andy Foster discusses his passion for tramping and mountain running, highlighting the importance of being in nature and disconnecting from the busyness of life.
- National MP Barbara Kuriger shares her love for exploring New Zealand’s Great Walks with her husband, emphasizing the solitude and beauty of the bush.
- Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick talks about her journey to becoming an outdoor enthusiast, highlighting the importance of connecting with friends and disconnecting from life.
Introduction to Tramping and the Great Outdoors
The great outdoors has a way of captivating people from all walks of life, including politicians. Thousands of people head into the bush every summer, and MPs from across the political spectrum are no exception. RNZ interviewed several politicians about their experiences with tramping, hunting, and exploring the great outdoors. One of the most striking stories comes from Labour MP Duncan Webb, who shared his intense first experience with tramping.
Labour MP Duncan Webb’s Tramping Experience
Webb has been tramping since he was 13 and still remembers his first bush adventure vividly. He and his friends borrowed heavy oilskin jackets and thin sleeping bags and set out into Arthur’s Pass without telling their parents. The trip quickly turned into a nightmare, with the group getting lost, suffering from hypothermia, and having a terrifying swim across a flooded river. Despite the challenges, Webb developed a lifelong love for tramping and now plans to go on a tramp with his grown children in Mount Aspiring this summer. He finds tramping to be a meditative experience, allowing him to focus on the present moment and disconnect from the stresses of everyday life.
ACT MP Cameron Luxton’s Hunting Experience
In contrast to Webb’s tramping experience, ACT MP Cameron Luxton is a passionate hunter. He loves tracking wild pigs and deer, and his ideal day in the bush involves being part of the food chain. Luxton believes that hunting allows him to connect with nature and be part of the cycle of life. He has introduced his sons to hunting, although they may not be as keen on following in his footsteps just yet. Luxton’s love for hunting takes him off the beaten track, exploring the untapped resources of New Zealand’s forests and hills.
NZ First MP Andy Foster’s Tramping and Mountain Running Experience
NZ First MP Andy Foster is a proud member of the Tararua Tramping Club and has walked many of the trails in the steep ranges north of Wellington. He loves being up above the bush line, taking in the stunning views and connecting with other people. Foster is also an experienced mountain runner, having clocked huge kilometres on runs like the Milford-Routeburn and Nelson Lakes to Lewis Pass. Although he has slowed down over the years, Foster still enjoys tramping and mountain running, highlighting the importance of being in nature and disconnecting from the busyness of life.
National MP Barbara Kuriger’s Love for Exploring Great Walks
National MP Barbara Kuriger and her husband Lewis love exploring New Zealand’s Great Walks every summer. They make the most of transfer services that carry overnight gear, allowing them to focus on walking and taking in the stunning scenery. Kuriger particularly loves the solitude of the bush, finding it a great way to disconnect from the stresses of everyday life and reconnect with nature. She and her husband are already looking forward to their next adventure, which will take them down the Forgotten Railway and into the Wanganui region.
Green Party Co-Leader Chlöe Swarbrick’s Journey to Becoming an Outdoor Enthusiast
Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick didn’t grow up walking or exploring the great outdoors, but has come to love it during her adult life. She has been lucky to have friends and community who have taught her the tricks of the trade, and now enjoys overnight tramps and exploring New Zealand’s stunning landscapes. Swarbrick finds that walking allows her to connect with friends and disconnect from life, providing a much-needed break from the stresses of politics. She is sure to end up in the bush at some point during the summer break, although she hasn’t yet planned any specific walks or adventures.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the great outdoors has a way of captivating people from all walks of life, including politicians. Whether it’s tramping, hunting, or exploring Great Walks, the experiences shared by these MPs highlight the importance of connecting with nature and disconnecting from the busyness of life. From Labour MP Duncan Webb’s intense first experience with tramping to Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick’s journey to becoming an outdoor enthusiast, each story showcases the unique ways in which people can experience and appreciate the great outdoors.