New Zealand the latest adventure for award-winning conservationist

From Congo to Columbia, facing down the barrel of poachers’ guns to facing a herd of charging elephants, there aren’t many places or situations Sean Willmore’s career as a ranger hasn’t taken him.

The International Ranger Federation (IRF) President will be in New Zealand this week with the Chairman of the IRF’s Oceania Division, Peter Cleary, to support efforts to establish better connections for rangers in New Zealand.

The IRF represents 63 ranger associations from 46 countries and aims to raise awareness of and support the critical work that the world’s park rangers do in conserving our natural and cultural heritage.

The visit is being facilitated by the New Zealand Recreation Association (NZRA), and the association’s Chief Executive Andrew Leslie believes the visit is a step forward for conservation in New Zealand.

Leslie explains “the work our rangers do here in New Zealand is incredibly important and they are often underpaid and undervalued.

“Just recently we saw DOC rangers on strike during Conservation Week, so this visit provides a timely morale boost and opportunity to highlight the outstanding work they do for conservation in New Zealand and the benefit of our planet.

“The opportunity to hear from Sean and Peter, both hugely experienced and well-respected rangers with experience on the frontline in countries around the world, but who also understand the value and the power of cooperation and collaboration amongst rangers, will be hugely beneficial.”

Cleary will meet with rangers in Auckland today (Monday 16th November) and Christchurch tomorrow before being joined by Willmore in Wellington on Wednesday. While in Wellington, the pair will attend the NZRA National Conference, before visiting the Zealandia eco-sanctuary, Matiu/Somes Island, and spending time with local Council Rangers.

Sean Willmore (pcitured) is the President of the International Ranger Federation and the Founder and Director of its charity arm, The Thin Green Line, which supports rangers across the world in protecting endangered animals and fighting wildlife poaching.

The Thin Green Line also provides support for the widows and orphans of rangers killed in the line of duty – more than 1,000 in the last ten years. It was established following the success of Willmore’s 2007 documentary of the same name, which looked at the lives, stories and struggles of rangers in 23 countries around the world.

Willmore has received numerous awards including being nominated for Australian of The Year for six years running. He is also the Recipient of The Royal Humane Society Bravery Medal for a rescue attempt during his time as a ranger.

For more information on Sean Willmore's work at the Thin Green Line go to www.thingreenline.org.au/team/sean-willmore

13th November 2015 - PARTICIPATION AND RISK TAKING AMONG KEY THEMES AT NEW ZEALAND’S TOP RECREATION CONFERENCE

28th July 2015 - NEW ZEALAND READY TO CELEBRATE WORLD RANGER DAY

22nd April 2015 - WORLD’S PROTECTED NATURAL AREAS RECEIVE EIGHT BILLION VISITS A YEAR