My name is Brent Kawharu, and my family has lived in Ohana Bay for approximately 200 years. We are direct descendants of the Māori chief Te Rauparaha of the Ngāti Toa tribe.

I was born in November 1970 and made my entrance into the world barrel-first, wearing boots and ready for a life of hunting. From a young age, I have been involved in hunting, learning the craft alongside my father. After leaving school, I trained as a carpenter and worked in the trade for approximately 27 years. During this time, I also worked as a part-time hunting guide for an English-based hunting company, guiding clients across the South Island of New Zealand and hunting a variety of species (Chamois, Himalayan Thar, Red & Fallow Deer, Wallaby, Wild Goats, Ducks in season, Trophy Rams and more).

In my twenties and continuing into my forties, I served as a committee member of the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association (NZDA), holding the title of Hunts Coordinator. In this role, I organized hunting trips for the 300+ members of the Nelson branch.

Additionally, I joined the National Rifle Association (NRA), where I competed in long-range target rifle shooting with a .308, using open sights and no rests, shooting from 300 to 1,000 yards. I represented my province, Marlborough, as well as the South Island in these competitions. I also participated in Smallbore shooting for Nelson, which helped me develop technical skills for Fullbore shooting.

I now live full-time at Ohana Bay, Rangitoto ki te Tongi, with my hunting partner, Jess (German Wirehaired Pointer X Labrador). She’s a standout, so expect her to be featured in every photo during your deer hunt here.