“Aroha ki te tangata / For the love of the people”
There are approximately 700 Māori Wardens who play an intrinsic role in improving the wellbeing of whānau and our communities in Aotearoa New Zealand. Te Puni Kōkiri in partnership with NZ Police provides practical support to Māori Wardens including delivering training programmes and providing resources (e.g. vehicles, uniforms and equipment).
Last updated: Rāpare, 07 Poutūterangi, 2024 | Thursday, 7 March 2024
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About Māori Wardens
Māori Wardens have been supporting whānau for over 150 years at a grassroots level and have well-established relationships that enable them to work closely with whānau, hāpori, Māori organisations, community groups and government agencies.
Māori Wardens are not police, but they have legal responsibilities under the Māori Community Development Act 1962 and they give their time to supporting communities.
The strength of Māori Warden’s is their intimate knowledge of, and close connection to their local communities. The guiding principles of a Māori Warden is respect, awhi, aroha, and whānaungatanga. The values are:
- Rangimarie (Peace)
- Manaaki (Kindness)
- Kōrero (Talking)
- Whakaiti (Humility)
- Tautoko (Support)
- Pono (Honesty)
More information
Ngā Wātene Māori o Aotearoa (National Māori Wardens Organisation) is the established entity supporting Māori Warden groups around the motu.
For more information please go to www.maoriwardens.nz