A new documentary film highlighting the lives, challenges and resilience of rangers who devote themselves to protecting the natural world premieres in Aotearoa from the 19 May to 2 June.

Guardians of Hope, filmed during Australian ranger Amanda Dudgeon’s extraordinary 94,000 km solo expedition through Oceania, brings audiences face-to-face with the people on the frontlines of conservation – including rangers working across Aotearoa New Zealand. Guardians of Hope is a powerful documentary born from a year-long journey across Oceania, following rangers on the frontlines of conservation and cultural protection.

In 2022–2023 Amanda Dudgeon travelled through eight countries – Australia, New Zealand, Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, and Timor Leste – on a 12-month 94,000km solo expedition to raise awareness of the vital conservation work rangers do.

"From remote islands to rainforest interiors, these unsung guardians reveal what it truly means to protect not just land and natural heritage - but hope itself," Amanda said. “Rangers across Oceania are on the frontlines – leading incident and fire response, enforcing conservation laws, caring for wildlife, educating communities, and combining traditional knowledge with modern methods,” said Amanda. She interviewed more than 150 rangers, visiting more than 20 islands in Oceania, travelling by four-wheel drive, by boat and plane, as well as by helicopter and quad bike. As a practicing ranger, Amanda’s perspective captures the many challenges rangers face across the changing land and seascape.

“While, on most days, it’s the best job in the world, it’s also one of the toughest jobs out there,” she said. “In terms of climate change and degradation of ecosystems in reserves and national parks, rangers confront enormous challenges across the Pacific region.”
During her Oceania expedition, Amanda also walked more than 1,600 kilometres in honour of more than 1,000 rangers who have died on duty across the world in the last decade. Globally, the International Ranger Federation records about two to three fatalities every week.

Filmed during the Walking the Thin Green Line Oceania expedition, the film offers rare insight into the lives, challenges, and quiet strength of those who dedicate themselves to safeguarding the natural world. From remote islands to rainforest interiors, these unsung guardians reveal what it truly means to protect not just land and culture—but hope itself.

Meet the Film Maker
Amanda Dudgeon is a park ranger, documentary filmmaker, and Oceania Representative for the International Ranger Federation.

A proud ambassador for the Thin Green Line Foundation, she created Guardians of Hope to shine a light on the everyday heroes safeguarding Oceania’s future. There will be questions with Amanda after the screening.

Visit the film’s website to find out more.

The film is about 40 minutes long. Doors open at 5 for Dinner and Drinks, Screening starts at 7

Koha available at the door for Rangers of Aotearoa New Zealand (ROANZ).
The New Zealand launch of Guardians of Hope is proudly supported by Rangers of Aotearoa New Zealand (ROANZ) and DOC.