Sam Gibson
Sam Gibson is a trapper and conservation worker with a popular social media presence -28,000 followers on Instagram and counting. He has spent his life in the bush hunting, trapping and fishing, and has worked for the Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai as well as private conservation companies.
In 2019 he established the Eastern Whio Link conservation project, restoring whio (native blue duck) to the rivers of the Waioeka on the East coast, where he was born and raised. This work is largely done by volunteers and is bearing fruit - the team started with four breeding pairs, which have since birthed 100 chicks, and he reports that the number of whio bobbing in the waters in the area is starting to increase noticeably.
Sam and his partner Roimata and their two young children usually live in Gisborne, but this year are based in Mawhera, Greymouth where Sam is working for the regional council.
2025 festival sessions
Sam Gibson, aka Sam the Trap Man, is a bushman through and through: hunting, fishing, trapping and adventuring — he does it all. As an unruly teenager starting to get into mischief, Sam's parents and teachers struck an unusual deal: to let him take time out of school and go outdoors instead. This decision kept him out of trouble and went on to define his life.
In a series of funny, thrilling, astonishing and touching yarns about his life and times in the bush Sam tells the story of his life so far. From shooting his first deer, to labouring through freezing cold South Island winters as a young trapper, to the time he woke up somehow covered in blood, each chapter weave together the story of an incredible life full of adventure, hard work and a deep love for the bush and the native creatures who live in it. Protecting these animals and ecosystems is a life's calling for Sam — every decision he makes in the bush helps it to thrive.
Sam the Trap Man in Picton
Sam Gibson in conversation with Anna Polson
4.30pm-5.30pm, Saturday 19 July, Picton Library at Waitohi Whare Matauranga, $15
Sam discusses his passion for looking after the bush and its ecosystems and his adventures in the great outdoors - hunting, fishing, trapping.
Sam the Trap Man in Blenheim
Sam Gibson in conversation with Johnny Joseph
10:45am-11:45am, Sunday 20 July, Anderson Theatre ASB Theatre Marlborough, $25
Sam shares captivating adventures living and working in the ngahere (bush), from Te Urewera to Fiordland, and his deep commitment to looking after the environment.