Hardworking Hamish wins Kaitiaki o te Tau – Ranger of the Year

Congratulations to our newest Kaitiaki o te Tau – Ranger of the Year, Hamish Bowler!

For the last four years Hamish has been an environmental ranger in our Parks & Reserves team. He is mostly based in Taupō but on weekends you may see him out at Kinloch and Mangakino as well.

Our team of eight environmental rangers clean and care for public toilets, collect litter, clean up damage and graffiti and keep the district looking good. Their efforts help make our towns and villages great places to visit and live in.

Philip Lund, Parks & Reserves team leader, Taupō, says Kaitiaki o te Tau is awarded annually to the Parks & Reserves ranger who most lives council’s values of looking after and acting as kaitiaki, or guardians of the place we love.

The recipient is entrusted with Te Toki, a beautiful hand-carved taonga of rimu and pounamu, which carries deep meaning. Te Toki entrusts the recipient with the responsibility to continue protecting people and place, sharing knowledge, nurturing others and leading with integrity and aroha.

Philip says Hamish is dedicated to his role and often goes beyond what is expected.

“He’s quite often thinking about the job after hours and he’s one of the first to suggest that something might need to be done on one of the reserves.”

Attitude also plays a big part.

“He’s always first to put his hand up and help out. For example, today we had a couple of service requests on the team chat and Hamish was the first to respond to both, and if team members are away, it’s Hamish’s willingness to step in.”

Hamish says he was surprised when his name was read out as the Kaitiaki o te Tau recipient at a special World Ranger Day celebration on 30 July.

“I wasn’t expecting it at all but I do work very hard and I’m very helpful so it was rewarding to get it,” he says.

Philip says Hamish was “absolutely stoked - and speechless too.”