Story: Rabbits

Rabbit hunters

When other work was not available rabbiting provided an income for rural workers in the South Island. These men are at a summer camp in 1909, although rabbiting often took place in winter when the skins were at their best. The conditions were hard – but the men obviously made time for some trout fishing to supplement their diet.

Listen to New Zealand hunter and author Barry Crump being interviewed about his days as a rabbiter.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library, New Zealand Railways Collection (PAColl-5167)
Reference: 1/2-023747-G

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

Sound file from Radio New Zealand Sound Archives Ngā Taonga Kōrero. Any re-use of this audio is a breach of copyright. To request a copy of the recording, contact Sound Archives Ngā Taonga Kōrero (Open Country/Reference number sa-c-1185-01-s01-su01-pm).

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How to cite this page:

Robert Peden, 'Rabbits - Commercialisation and control', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/speech/15269/rabbit-hunters (accessed 20 April 2024)

Story by Robert Peden, published 24 Nov 2008