Back in December 2023, after being unsuccessful in my application for the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation (FWF) Wāhine and Wapiti experience led by the Foundation's General Manager, Roy Sloan, I channelled my enthusiasm into other mountain adventures over the summer.
But three weeks before the trip's departure, I received an unexpected email from Britt Davies, the FWF's female advocate and co-organiser of this experience, offering me a spot due to last-minute cancellations. My immediate response, without even looking at my calendar, was “yes absolutely!” It was a privilege to be called up from the reserves.
As Britt later explained to me, the purpose of this five-day trip into Fiordland was to create an inclusive environment where women of all backgrounds can connect through nature, hunting and conservation. Our group consisted of huge diversity in age, stage of life, hunting and outdoor experience.
“It's about going beyond the Foundation and building connections,” Britt said. “We wanted to offer this opportunity to experience the Wapiti area beyond entering the ballot. There's so much pressure, intensity and preparation around going in for ten days, it's a huge commitment, especially if you're new to this. How else can you experience it that feels less intimidating?” The only requirements for this trip
