Liam introduced me to this site. Thanks Liam.
Like some other folks have mentioned, I know very few Kiwis who are passionate about primitive skills or the knowledge necessary to live in the bush disconnected from things we have in the city. I know a number of hunters and trampers of course... and these folks certainly spend time in the outdoors and appreciate it... but they seem to have a slightly different 'angle' compared to me.
My interests are fairly wide in this field, but I have heaps to learn. I've played around with all sorts of primitive ideas, but the thing that grabs me the most, currently, is trapping. I haven't done any for a while but I still think about it.
I've been fairly preoccupied with other things lately. My wife and I have a business, plus we've recently moved into a new home and there is a lot to be done. I'm in the process of building a garden shed, and there are still many hours ahead of me to spend in laying paving and establishing a garden. But the garden shed is very likely to be a place where I can store my primitive 'things', dry some possum skins..... and maybe tackle a few projects. I was delighted the other day when my wife announced that she'd like a possum skin 'throw' for the bed. Yee-hah.... I'll enjoy gathering the materials for that.
I hope this site takes off as planned. I think that people who are interested in bushcraft make good, responsible, caring citizens. It is a great thing for kids too.... a much better interest, in my opinion, than many of the other things that young folks can get involved in.
Best wishes.... Stephen Coote