Auckland Council has extended its commitment to environmental stewardship beyond New Zealand’s shores, donating surplus regional parks ranger uniforms to support conservation efforts in Fiji.
The initiative, led by Auckland Council’s Regional Parks team in collaboration with the New Zealand Parks Leaders Forum, recently gifted boxes of uniforms to Fijian park rangers working in remote and ecologically significant areas.
Jason Tutani from the National Trust of Fiji says the donation has equipped his team of 15 rangers with a much-needed upgrade. Their former uniforms were gifted more than 10 years ago by Manukau City Council before the amalgamation of Auckland Council.
Their new shirts, shorts and jackets in environmentally fitting shades of forest and fawn will help staff carry out tasks within parks and reserves, including the monitoring of endangered species.
Auckland Council Regional Parks Manager Scott De Silva says all his team of rangers, who manage 28 regional parks and farms across Tāmaki Makaurau, received new uniforms earlier this year and yet many of the shirts, shorts and jackets from the former set of uniforms remained in good condition.
“We’re really pleased those items will support our colleagues in Fiji to continue meeting the similar conservation goals we strive to reach every day here in Auckland,” says Scott.
“The donation also reflects the council’s broader commitment to sustainability and supports long-term goals for zero waste, by diverting unused clothing from landfill.”
The collection of uniforms were distributed in time for Conservation Week, celebrated at Auckland Council from 1-7 September to highlight the importance of protecting the planet’s natural and cultural heritage while acknowledging the dedication of rangers who carry out this work daily.
