As an organisation dedicated to preserving the nation's delicate biodiversity, the Department of Conservation (DOC) wanted a uniform that reflected its values.
Practically, the range needed to provide the maximum comfort for the wide variety of tasks the team undertake on a day-to-day basis.
Deane was selected through DOC's tender process for our ability to deliver unique and original designs in collaboration with DOC's internal design stakeholders. It was also important that our corporate values mirror those of DOC.
The project began in 2015 when Deane participated in the review of DOC's existing uniform. Working with in-house designers from both Deane and DOC, the aim was to determine the most beneficial and practical elements of the existing uniform to take forward into the new range.
Deane formed a genuine partnership with DOC by sharing our experience in transitioning uniforms and, after a period of trials and enhancements, DOC's vision came to life. The result is a refreshing new range, honouring the green of the traditional ranger uniforms and featuring kowhaiwhai and manu graphic details; representing the heart of New Zealand.
On World Ranger Day, celebrated worldwide on 31 July, the new uniform was launched across more than 1,400 staff throughout New Zealand. After months of hard work and collaboration, a high performance layered clothing system featuring hi-visibility fabrics had been created that is UV-protected, insulated and can be worn as heavy-duty workwear.