An important environmental initiative has returned to the island, with the Itiki Rangers Program officially relaunched under the leadership of Te Ngaru Tu o Nukuroa Association.
Originally established in 1992, the Itiki Rangers Program was created to help protect the island and encourage the community to take responsibility for keeping the environment clean, healthy and free from pollution.
More than three decades later, the program was officially relaunched on 4 August 2026, as part of the Constitution Day celebrations, witnessed by the community and the Tere Party from Mangaia, Puna Keia Vainetini.
The revived Itiki Rangers Program will focus on addressing illegal dumping, plastic waste, littering and other forms of environmental pollution. Through community involvement, education, monitoring and clean-up activities, the program will encourage everyone to play a part in caring for the island’s natural environment.
Led by Te Ngaru Tu o Nukuroa, the program is about more than cleaning up rubbish. It aims to strengthen responsibility and guardianship for the land and environment and encourage the community to take greater care of the place they call home.
The island’s coastlines, natural surroundings and environment are important to protect for future generations. The return of the Itiki Rangers provides an opportunity to strengthen community efforts and reinforce the message that caring for the environment is everyone’s responsibility.
The relaunch has been made possible through funding from the Plastic Ocean Litter Project (POLP), in partnership with the National Environment Service (NES), supporting efforts to reduce plastic pollution and strengthen environmental action within the community.
As the Itiki Rangers return, the message is simple:
Keep our island clean, protect our environment and take care of our home.
“Taporoporo ia to tatou aorangi.”
From its beginnings in 1992 to its return in 2026, the Itiki Rangers Program continues to bring the community together to care for the island of Mitiaro.
Images from the launch.
