New maimai removes barriers for mobility-impaired hunters

For Pip Martin, a T12 paraplegic and 40-year duck-hunting veteran, the upcoming game bird season isn't just about shooting — it’s about the "magic" of being back outdoors with family.

Otago Fish & Game has unveiled a new wheelchair-accessible maimai in South Otago, ensuring the region’s long tradition of harvesting wild game birds remains open to all abilities.

Mr Martin has spent decades studying what he calls the "learning computer" of rivers and wetlands — the wily mallard.

Following a farm accident in 2016, the transition to life in a wheelchair initially felt like a series of closed doors.

“At Burwood Spinal Unit, lying in a bed, you realise your life has changed forever," Mr Martin recalls. "You’re thinking of all the things you now can’t do. But duck hunting was something you could still do. You’ve just got to approach it differently."

Left: Brendon Storer (back left) and Pip Martin (right) are looking forward to duck hunting at the new wheel-chair accessible maimai at Bendigo Wildlife Management Reserve. 

Otago Fish & Game officer Steve Dixon said the new maimai at Inch Clutha Wildlife Management Reserve was the result of a collaboration with local businesses, disability advocates and local government.

"This project was a true community effort delivered at as low cost as possible to game bird hunting licence holders,” Mr Dixon said.

“W Hamilton Building led the design and construction, Livingwell Disability Resource Centre provided access advice, Carters, Freeman Roofing Dunedin and Mike Hurring Contracting helped facilitate and provide materials and haulage, SouthRoads installed the piles, and Otago Regional Council helped navigate the regulatory system to build a maimai in a public space.”

The goal was to remove physical barriers that prevent mobility-impaired hunters accessing public land.

“As the father of a son with a mild disability, I have a personal connection to this project and understand how hard access can be,” Mr Dixon said.

“This maimai is not only for people who were duck hunters and found themselves in a wheelchair after an accident, but also for people who’ve had mobility challenges all their lives and want to have a go at duck hunting.”

W Hamilton Building director Bill Hamilton said that after completing Otago Fish & Game’s new headquarters last year, the company had a strong working relationship with the team.

“This is a meaningful community initiative, and aligns with our values in supporting inclusive access to the outdoors,” Mr Hamilton said.

“There is also a strong personal connection within our team. We have a number of staff who actively enjoy and participate in the hunting opportunities that are readily accessible to us here in New Zealand.”

Mr Martin said the Fish & Game community project had built a “lovely maimai”.

“Everything is perfect for a chair shooter," Mr Martin said. "It’s about showing people that there are things you can do in a chair and the world isn’t against them. It’s about what you can do."

For Mr Martin, hunting is about more than the bag limit; it’s about connection to family and the outdoors.

"Manuka leaves in your coffee, the birds flying past, calling them ... just hearing the flutter of a spoonie’s wings. It’s absolutely magic," he says.

"I’d love to have my grandchild up to sit in the maimai, call a duck, and just talk to him. I think it clears the head. That’s what grandparents do."

Otago Fish & Game continues to advocate for accessible hunting opportunities. The maimai will be available from the 2026 season opening on May 2.

This project reflects a wider effort to ensure outdoor recreation remains accessible to people of all abilities. This is the latest example of Fish & Game regional efforts to improve access around the country. Auckland-Waikato Fish & Game have also completed a wheelchair accessible maimai ready for the 2026 season, and Eastern Fish & Game opened a wheelchair accessible maimai in 2024.

Access to the Inch Clutha Wildlife Management Reserve is by Fish & Game permit. For enquiries, contact [email protected].