Maddox Photography Birding Adventures

In Founder Focus we introduce entrepreneurs and change-makers working on innovative startups, social enterprises and SME’s around Aotearoa New Zealand.

At a glance

Founders: John Parker

Business: Maddox Photography birding adventures

Founded: January 2025

HQ: Waikato

Can you tell us a bit about your business?

Maddox Photography NZ offers boutique birding adventures and my signature Morepork (Ruru) Workshops, unique experiences that blend birdwatching, photography, and a deep connection with nature.

I guide small groups through some of New Zealand’s most stunning and ecologically rich environments, helping clients spot and ethically photograph iconic and rare native bird species. Whether you’re a passionate birder, a nature photographer, or simply curious about Aotearoa’s incredible wildlife, my tours and workshops are designed to inspire, educate, and leave you with lasting memories.

With a strong focus on conservation, storytelling, and hands-on learning, I create immersive experiences where both beginners and seasoned photographers can thrive. It’s not just about taking pictures, it’s about slowing down, seeing more, and connecting deeply with the natural world.

What’s the backstory for your business idea?

The outdoors and photography have been a passion of mine since I was young, but it wasn’t until my wife and I lost our middle child, Maddox, to a rare terminal illness that I truly understood the healing power of nature and the lens.

That loss changed everything. Photography became more than a hobby, it became a way to process grief, reconnect with the world, and find meaning in moments of stillness and wild beauty.

Pursuing this dream is allowing me to honour Maddox’s life in a way that feels true to who he was: full of wonder, connection, and light. Through my work capturing birds, and the quiet magic of the natural world, I hope to share that sense of peace and purpose with others, and create space for reflection, awe, and possibly healing.

What programmes, learning or mentoring, or resources have been of assistance so far?

Building Maddox Photography NZ has been a journey shaped by mentorship from fellow photographers and conservationists, as well as online workshops and communities.

I’m still learning every day but I’d recommend finding a mentor, learning the business side early, and staying connected to the “why” behind your work.