Māori Wardens: For the love of the people

For years the Māori Warden movement has generally gone unnoticed in Aotearoa New Zealand. Tonight, we get an exclusive peek into their world.

Published: Monday, 27 March 2023 | Rāhina, 27 Poutūterangi, 2023

Te Puni Kōkiri and Te Māngai Pāho jointly funded the development of a documentary setting out the history of Māori Wardens while also highlighting the extensive mahi they do across their communities. Māori Wardens – A Documentary premieres on Whakaata Māori and Māori+ tonight at 8.30pm and explores the behind-the-scenes reality of grass roots Māori wardens.

Te Rau Clarke, Manager, Te Puni Kōkiri Māori Wardens Project Team says “When we first discussed the idea of documenting the history of Māori Wardens, we concluded that the Māori Warden story had never been told before. This is an attempt to provide the Māori community and the wider hapori (including mainstream) with a story that continues to go under the radar.”

This project is part of a wider programme of work where Te Puni Kōkiri is supporting Māori wardens across the country to achieve their own mana motuhake. 

Tune in to Whakaata Māori, tonight, 8.30pm for Māori Wardens – A Documentary.