The Itiki Rangers, a youth initiative of Te Ngaru Tu o Nukuroa, are making a positive impact in Mitiaro through a Pacific Ocean Litter Project (POLP) Small Grant Initiative supported by the National Environment Service (NES). The project has empowered young people and students to take practical action against plastic pollution while building environmental leadership and stewardship within the community.
Working alongside Te Matangarengare School, the Itiki Rangers delivered a range of activities including beach clean-ups, school waste audits, environmental awareness sessions, and community engagement initiatives focused on reducing marine litter and promoting responsible waste management.
A key achievement of the project was the clean-up of a 750-metre stretch of coastline, where participants collected and removed 101.2 kilograms of litter and marine debris from the coastal environment. Students and volunteers also conducted regular waste audits at Te Matangarengare School, collecting and analyzing a further 45.69 kilograms of waste, including plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and plastic wrappers. Together, the initiative removed and recorded 146.89 kilograms of waste while providing valuable data to support future waste reduction efforts.
Brandon Kaukura, Vice President of the Te Ngaru Tu o Nukuroa and Project Manager for Itiki Rangers Project, said that “seeing more than 146 kilograms of rubbish collected through our beach clean-ups and school audits was a real eye-opener for everyone involved. It showed us how much waste is entering our environment, but it also showed what can be achieved when young people come together to take action.”
The project not only improved the local environment but also created opportunities for students to develop practical skills in data collection, recycling, environmental monitoring, teamwork, and leadership.
“Our ocean and land are part of our identity as Cook Islanders. Through this project, our youth gained a deeper appreciation for protecting these places for future generations. We are proud that our work is helping create cleaner beaches, healthier communities, and a stronger culture of environmental responsibility in Mitiaro”, continued Kaukura.
The initiative also strengthened partnerships between National Environment Service, Te Ngaru Tu o Nukuroa, Te Matangarengare School, local families, and community stakeholders, helping to build long-term support for waste reduction, marine conservation efforts and in addressing plastic pollution.
Through community-led initiatives such as this, the Pacific Ocean Litter Project continues to empower Cook Islands communities to develop local solutions that protect marine ecosystems, reduce waste, and create a cleaner and more sustainable future for the next generation.
