Shaun Barnett – A Wild Life

Two years on from the passing of Shaun Barnett, we’re reflecting on the impact he had on outdoor advocacy, conservation, and the people who had the privilege of knowing him.
Shaun was one of Aotearoa’s most respected tramping writers, photographers, and editors. He sadly passed away in June 2024, following a year-long battle with brain cancer.
He was a close friend to us at FMC, having been the editor for Backcountry magazine for a decade, a photo competition judge, and our nominee on the New Zealand Geographic Board.
A special episode of The Tramping Life podcast has been released to mark this anniversary. Through memories told by Shaun’s friends and colleagues, it illustrates how his dedication, passion, and knowledge inspired others and helped shape tramping in Aotearoa.
“His joy of being in the mountains that he would share, that would rub off on everybody there,” – Kathy Ombler, writer and good friend.
Listen to the episode here or on any major podcast platforms.
Photo credit: Peter Laurenson
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