“Aroha ki te tangata / For the love of the people”
There are approximately 900 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).
About Māori Wardens
Māori Wardens are an intrinsic part of our communities in Aotearoa New Zealand. They 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, Māori organisations, community groups and government agencies.
Māori Wardens are not police, but they have legal responsibilities under the Māori Community Development Act 1962. Today there are approximately 900 Māori Wardens who volunteer their time to supporting others in our 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)
Modernising Māori Wardens
In July 2019, more than 450 Māori Wardens from across 16 districts gathered at the National Māori Wardens Conference at Tūrangawaewae Marae to embark on a way forward.
The roles, functions and powers of the Māori Wardens are provided for in the Māori Community Development Act 1962 which is administered by the Māori Development Minister.
Over the years the initial role of the Māori Wardens has broadened and there are now over 900 Māori Warden volunteers across the nation supporting the homeless, encouraging rangatahi, providing community reassurance, facilitating hui between whānau and schools, providing event management and security, and facilitating youth at risk programmes.
Minister for Māori Development, Hon Nanaia Mahuta is passionate about ensuring the role Māori Wardens play in New Zealand communities’ remains strong, valuable and relevant. It is timely to consider what the future for the Māori Wardens could look like.
A Working Group, representing each Māori Wardens district, has been elected to oversee the development of some key objectives. For more information about the working group click here.
News and Stories
The latest news and events for Māori Wardens are listed below.
Events and Updates
Latest events and updates for this section are listed below.
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Inaugural Māori Wardens Modernisation Working Group hui
Following on from the National Māori Wardens Conference in July, where a landmark vote took place to move towards increased autonomy, the inaugural Māori Wardens Modernisation Working Group held their first hui on Thursday 5 September in Wellington.
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National Māori Wardens Conference a huge success
From Wallace Haumaha singing a rendition of ‘Te Rina’ to a surprise budget announcement and a landmark vote, there was something for everyone at this year’s successful national conference held at Tūrangawaewae Marae.
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Māori Wardens Conference 2019
The Māori Wardens are coming together to finalise the modernisation project which has been in discussion with the Māori Development Minister - Nanaia Mahuta.
- Registration required
- Organiser: Māori Wardens
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Māori Wardens supporting rangatahi to access higher education
Nearly a third of youth aged 15-24 not in education, employment or training are Māori. That includes 7,400 rangatahi Māori in the Waikato-Waiariki region. Katikati Māori Wardens are supporting local rangatahi on their learning pathway.
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Helping to build a brighter future
Kat grew up in Auckland living the life portrayed in the movie Once Were Warriors. She experienced things children shouldn’t and these experiences have left a dark mark. She has seven children from two relationships but only two live with her. She is working with agencies including Tāmaki ki Te Tonga District Māori Wardens to build a brighter future.
