CONFERENCE SPEAKERS
Kevin Barker
Tree Hunter
SPEAKER BIO
Kevin Barker, one half of the renowned Tree Hunting Barker twins, has a unique journey that fuels his passion for New Zealand’s native forests.
Raised in the treeless landscape of Eastern Christchurch, Kevin’s academic path led him to study physics at Canterbury University and pursue a teaching career. After 11 years of teaching in Hokitika and exploring South Canterbury’s remnant podocarp forests, Kevin’s appreciation for New Zealand’s extraordinary natural heritage deepened.
Now leading a busy Science Faculty in Auckland, Kevin continues his dedication to New Zealand’s native trees by hunting and measuring notable specimens, contributing to the NZ Tree Register. His commitment to conservation is evident through his active roles with Birds NZ, The Tree Council, Pukorokoro/Miranda Trust, Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi, and the Auckland Astronomical Society, alongside his partner, Olga Brochner.
In addition to his conservation efforts, Kevin’s background as a competitive cricketer and rugby league player complements his love for the outdoors. He enjoys exploring New Zealand’s bush, where he admires the country’s unique flora and fauna. Kevin’s presentation promises to offer a captivating look into the world of tree hunting and the vital importance of preserving New Zealand’s remarkable forest ecosystems.
TALK TITLE
Tāne Mahuta Public Lecture: Big Tree Hunters
ABSTRACT
Kevin will discuss his and his twin brother Phil’s passion for tree hunting, specifically targeting New Zealand’s most impressive kahikatea, mataī, miro, rimu, and tōtara trees across various regions of the country’s remnant native forests.
The presentation will begin with a brief overview of how to hunt and measure trees. It will cover tōtara hunting in the bush remnants of South Canterbury, matai in scenic reserves and lakes along the West Coast, kahikatea in the old-growth forests of Lake Brunner, and rimu in the giant forests near Harihari, Karamea, Stoney Creek, and Otanewainuku. Finally, the talk will highlight the magnificence of miro trees.
This talk will celebrate New Zealand’s magnificent podocarp trees and emphasize the importance of conservation and the protection of these taonga, along with the associated flora and fauna within these unique forest ecosystems.