Hunting and Hauora: Pig Hunters and Poaka in Aotearoa New Zealand

ABSTRACT Though invasive, wild pigs (poaka) were fundamental to the survival of both Māori and Pākehā during colonisation, and they remain an essential source of kai (sustenance) today. Utilising a Whanganui case study, 24 participants, semi‐structured interviews, and thematic analysis guided by Kaupapa Māori principles, describe hunters' interests in pig hunting. Hunting enhances wellbeing, providing food and economic security, fulfilling cultural aspirations, social, spiritual, environmental, and recreational experiences, and deepening connection to place. From a biosecurity perspective, hunters contribute to pest management when they hunt poaka. Conservation programmes that consider contributions from hunters maximise nature's benefits to people and vice versa.