Who am I?
My name is Josh Overend. In 2022, I graduated from the University of Canterbury with a degree in Biology, a field that has long fuelled my passion for the natural world. Since then, I have dedicated myself to a career in conservation, where I am able to apply my knowledge and enthusiasm to protecting and preserving the unique biodiversity of our environment.
I am currently employed at the Styx Living Laboratory Trust, where my work focuses on habitat restoration within the Pūharakekenui River catchment. This position marks my first professional role in the conservation field, and I am committed to building a long-term career dedicated to protecting and restoring natural ecosystems. My passion for wildlife photography complements my conservation work, enabling me to both educate others about Aotearoa’s remarkable biodiversity and contribute to efforts that ensure these species can continue to thrive alongside human development.
In addition to my professional role, I am privileged to volunteer at the South Island Wildlife Hospital. This experience provides me with invaluable hands-on opportunities to work closely with some of Aotearoa’s most iconic species, such as the rowi kiwi and the Tawaki (Fiordland Crested Penguin).
While my current focus is on photographing New Zealand’s wildlife—both in the wild and in zoological settings—I aspire to expand my work internationally. My goal is to document and raise awareness of some of the world’s most at-risk and endangered species through my photography.
Why I do what I do?
Toutouwai | South Island Robin
I initially took up photography as a hobby, driven by a lifelong passion for wildlife and a desire to capture the magnificent animals I encountered in zoos around the world. However, photography quickly evolved into much more than a pastime; it became a powerful medium through which I could promote conservation efforts, not only for endangered species globally but also for the unique wildlife found here in Aotearoa, our own corner of the world.
I am driven by a passion to shine a light on our precious taonga, as well as many exotic species that are often overlooked or unknown to the wider public. Through publishing my images, I am able to share with the world the vital conservation efforts currently underway to protect our endangered and unique wildlife. My work also serves as a platform to advocate for proactive measures—highlighting not only how we can support these species but also why it is crucial to protect wildlife before they reach the brink of endangerment.
Leopard Seal
Rock Wren
How I Started
My passion for wildlife began at a very young age. From as early as I can remember, I was fascinated by animals—spending every opportunity searching for birds, persuading my parents to take me to the zoo, and even asking (unsuccessfully) for crocodiles and snakes as pets. This early obsession was largely inspired by my childhood hero, Steve Irwin. To me, he was a true superhero, and at just four years old, I proudly visited Australia Zoo dressed as him. That enthusiasm never faded; instead, it evolved into a lifelong commitment to wildlife and conservation.
I formally began my journey into photography during a family trip to Sydney in 2019, where I "borrowed" my sister’s brand-new camera at Taronga Zoo and began photographing every animal I encountered. What started as a spontaneous experience quickly grew into a powerful passion, combining my love of animals with a new way to share their stories.
Throughout school, I pursued every opportunity to study wildlife, focusing on biology and environmental sciences. This academic pathway led me to complete a degree in Biology at the University of Canterbury. Today, my work in conservation and my photography practice complement one another—allowing me to not only document the beauty and diversity of wildlife but also to convey vital conservation messages to inspire and educate others
What’s next for me?
Conservation and photography will continue to be at the heart of my career. I am committed to pushing my limits and further developing my skills within the conservation field. Living in Aotearoa offers a unique opportunity to work alongside and photograph hundreds of endemic and distinctive species. Looking ahead, I am eager to become involved in initiatives such as volunteering with kākāpō recovery efforts on Whenua Hou Island, monitoring marine mammal populations like orca, and contributing to the conservation and promotion of the hoiho (Yellow-eyed Penguin).
One of my aspirations is to expand into underwater photography—a challenging, yet exhilarating field that captures the rich biodiversity hidden beneath the ocean’s surface. The ocean remains one of the least explored frontiers on our planet, and the idea of diving alongside sharks, whales, and sea snakes fills me with excitement. Underwater photography not only presents a creative challenge, but also offers a new way to highlight the urgent need for marine conservation.
Travel is another passion that fuels my work. While many travel to visit iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower or the Colosseum, my journeys are driven by the pursuit of photographing the world's most extraordinary wildlife, from dung beetles Siberian tigers to African elephants. I aim to explore renowned wildlife hotspots such as Gunung Leuser National Park in Sumatra, the Amazon Rainforest, and Yellowstone National Park. At the top of my bucket list, however, is the Serengeti—an iconic landscape that epitomises the breathtaking diversity and grandeur of the natural world.
Salvin’s Mollymawk