Growing up on two wheels, a football pitch, or even a dance floor, Luke has always been drawn to movement. Mountain biking was his first love, with podium finishes along the way, but when the spark began to fade, a new path emerged. What started as a ground role in a landscaping and tree work company quickly turned into something more. An opportunity to complete his Level 3 arboriculture qualification set things in motion. Today, Luke is a Level 4 qualified climbing arborist, firmly established in the tree climbing world.
Calm above the chaos
At 23, Luke is already building an impressive resume both on the job and in competition. From helicopter operations to working alongside New Zealand’s largest mobile crane, his work demands precision, trust, and composure. That same mindset carries into competition climbing, where he has placed 12th at the Asia Pacific Championships, 5th in the VTIO freestyle finals in Australia, and recently 4th at the Auckland Regionals, securing a spot at Nationals. For Luke, performance goes beyond the physical. Staying calm, focused, and mentally steady is what keeps him safe and sharp, whether at work or in competition.
Competition has accelerated his growth, building confidence and deepening his understanding of his equipment. Progression is not just personal. It is about sharing knowledge, lifting others, and continuing to learn with every climb.
Trusting and testing the system
What draws Luke to Edelrid most is the thoughtful engineering behind the products and the meaningful design details that enhance both safety and usability.
In a profession where your body is your most important tool, looking after it is non negotiable. That is where the right gear, combined with common sense, plays a critical role. Equipment needs to be fully trusted, but Luke also knows that trust is built through consistent use and regular checks. Daily inspections for wear and tear are essential, especially in New Zealand’s environment, where sun exposure and sea spray can accelerate metal corrosion and plastic embrittlement.
Understanding your gear is just as important as using it. Knowing the correct configuration, date of manufacture, lifespan guidelines, compatibility with other equipment, and manufacturer inspection criteria allows Luke to work more efficiently and, most importantly, safely.
