Andrew Buglass is the founder of Permolat and the central figure in The Hut Keepers, a new film celebrating the grassroots effort to preserve New Zealand’s hut network. In this episode, Andrew shares his deep connection with the mountains, the challenges of solitude, and the pivotal experiences that shaped his lifelong commitment to protecting backcountry huts. From youthful nights in the hills with only a transistor radio for company, to leading a movement that has kept our huts alive for future generations, Andrew reflects on what it means to belong in the backcountry.

Photo: Andrew by lake on Elliot tops, credit Paulette Birchfield