In this 1990 New Zealand National Geographic documentary, (see link below) Gordon Roberts talks about his wildlife photography, of his working in the wilderness and backcountry of NZ as a deer hunter and then moving in to his years as a professional photographer. Alongside Gordon, his mate Angus Thompson reminisces about their deer culling days and reflects on some of those times also.
I like the comment Angus makes when asked about: how did the government shooters cope when heading into town? During the off season or for a weekend of fun. Did they feel different from the city folk. His reply included that one most harrowing things was: crossing the road in traffic - more terrifying than hanging off a bluff, he quips.
In the film Gordon obviously still very fit, trots up the steep mountainside completely in his element, you can tell he's done this for years. the young journalist is keeping up with him, but is ungainly and struggling a little. There's a stunning sequence of footage a bit further on has Gordon careenes down the mountainside, flying over the scree, hardly touching the ground, he looks like a human chamois, incredibly fit and agile. It really is a magnificent sequence and for me, encapsulates in one flowing carefree movement all that he puts into words.
I've interviewed both Gordon and Angus, and I'm really honoured to have had that opportunity and their content contributes to other's stories of those times in the Frank book. The book which is how in its final stages of editing and soon on its way to being published. I' ll post updates on progress with publishing here. BUT for now, enjoy this great bit of NZ history.
NZ National Geographic: A Thing of the Past:
https://www.nzgeo.com/video/a-thing-of-the-past/
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| Angus and Dave Drangsholt's tribute to Gordon Roberts from June 2018 NZ Deer Cullers news letter. And two of Gordon's books. |
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| Gordon recalls a conversation with Frank and Wattie Cameron. From Gordon's book Game Animals of New Zealand. |
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