Image: Puna Keia Aronga Mana leaders and community members pictured alongside the Mayor, EO representative, TMO representatives, RAC Chairman, and the Principal of Mangaia School.
The revival of the Tangaeo Rangers marks a significant step forward in strengthening environmental stewardship and tackling plastic pollution in Mangaia through the Puna Keia and National Environment Service, POLP Small Grant Incentive Project.
Originally established over 26 years ago, the Tangaeo Rangers initiative is being revitalised to re-engage youth in protecting Mangaia’s fragile ecosystems. The project, titled “Tangaeo Rangers – Protecting our Enua, Preserving our Moana,” places young people at the forefront of environmental action, combining traditional knowledge with modern waste management practices.
Led by Puna Keia and local youth, the initiative focuses on reducing single-use plastics through education, community outreach, and hands-on conservation efforts. Activities will include coastal clean-ups, school and community waste audits, and workshops promoting sustainable alternatives to plastics.
A key component of the project is the revival of traditional Mangaian practices, encouraging the use of locally made baskets (kete) and carved wooden bowls as environmentally friendly alternatives. Native tree replanting will also play a central role in restoring ecosystems and strengthening climate resilience.
The project further aims to build the capacity of school leavers and young people through environmental leadership training and practical conservation experience. Community engagement will be strengthened through awareness campaigns at markets, sports events, churches, and plastic-free community initiatives.
Aligned with national efforts to reduce plastic pollution, the Tangaeo Rangers initiative supports long-term behavioural change while contributing valuable local data to improve waste management systems.
This project reinforces the role of the Mangaia community as custodians of their environment, ensuring the protection and preservation of their enua (land) and moana (ocean) for future generations.
