Thread: The value of .22lr

I've been researching my first rifle, which I had intended to use for deer and later hopefully Chamois and Tahr.

Everywhere on the internet tells me the first gun anyone should own should be .22LR. I've shot a bit before, and I'm struggling to understand the benefits of .22 - other than dirt cheap ammo.

I've seen it described as a good platform to use for learning shooting fundamentals, but these posts and articles are usually light on the details of what these "fundamentals" are, and why you need a .22 to learn them.

It seems like a smart idea to have a light & cheap calibre in NZ for stuff like rabbits and wallabies, but .22 doesn't seem to be that good for this either, being not particularly great at longer rangers, and not having much punch for game bigger than rabbits.

So what am I missing here? If oyu're not teaching kids or plinking in the back yard, is there a good reason why you should have a .22?
Can it be safely skipped as a first rifle, or even a "must have" calibre?