Marlborough photographer captures contemplative black swan for Game Bird Habitat Stamp

A striking image of a black swan gazing downward at its own reflection has earned Blenheim photographer Steve Angus the coveted 2026 Game Bird Habitat Stamp Photo prize.

The contemplative image captured by Mr Angus has been selected for the 2026 Game Bird Habitat collectors' stamp, which will also feature on game bird hunting licences.

Hunters have so far contributed $2.6 million to wetland conservation through their stamp fee on the game bird hunting licence. The New Zealand Game Bird Habitat Trust (GBHT) has used this contribution to provide grants to 280 projects, funding the development and enhancement of habitat for the benefit of game birds and other wildlife.

The stamp is free on request to all licensed hunters and is also available for sale to the public.

This is the 32nd year of the stamp programme, with the Trust recommending a different game bird image to the NZ Fish & Game Council each year.

Mr Angus received a $1,000 prize from the GBHT and a $1,000 Kilwell Sports voucher for the winning image.

Mr Angus says his photography journey began recently thanks to his wife Bev Hanson.

"I have always had an interest in photography, but only really picked it up when my wife purchased a new camera and suggested I use her original one rather than just being the chauffeur.

"My interest in bird photography is really driven by my wife as she is really keen on bird photography, but I have found that challenging myself, by taking bird images, has helped my general photography knowledge and camera skills."

For Mr Angus, photography has become a shared retirement hobby with his wife.

"This is a hobby we can do together now that we have both retired. Our kids are supportive and always say good things when we share our photos with them.”

Despite being relatively new to serious photography, Mr Angus has enjoyed competition elsewhere. He won the Novice section of the Seddon Shield Competition with a photo of a tiger in 2024, and claimed the Marlborough Camera Club Natural History Shot of the Year in 2024 for an image of a Marsh Crake. Since then, he has continued to enjoy participating in the Marlborough Camera Club monthly competitions and events, and ongoing friendly competition with his wife.

His advice for aspiring bird photographers is simple: "Practise, practise, practise! Seek advice from other photographers, and as much as possible, learn about your subject."

Andy Tannock, chair of the Game Bird Habitat Trust, said conservation projects were on both public and private land.

"Hunters are major contributors to wildlife conservation throughout New Zealand, with a particular focus on wetland habitats. 

“Both through the millions of dollars of hunter money contributed and the thousands of volunteer hours they put in, endangered species including bittern and marsh crake have benefited from habitat restoration and creation.

“Wetlands are now being appreciated for their sediment and nutrient filtering, so there’s even more value to the environment than just wildlife benefits. The Trust allocates hunter funding annually for projects that result in many hectares of land each year to be restored or protected.”

Richie Cosgrove, chief operating officer for Fish & Game New Zealand, says the Trusts work is vital.

"New Zealand continues to lose wetlands, so the contribution of hunters to the Trust and its programmes is critical. The Trust plays a key role in Fish & Game's mission to protect, restore and rewild Aotearoa New Zealand's natural freshwater habitats and species."

Kilwell Director Amanda Wells said they her team was excited to be part of Fish & Game’s Game Bird Habitat Stamp photo competition.

“It’s a fantastic way to celebrate the outdoors and the incredible talent of photographers who capture New Zealand’s wildlife. Supporting initiatives like this is something we’re passionate about, and we love seeing the winning image featured on the stamp.”

Caption: Steve Angus’s winning image on the 2026 stamp.