Te Puni Kōkiri has been working alongside Māori Wardens for several years now, Kōkiri talks to Project Manager, Te Rau Clark.

“The first thing to remember about Māori Wardens is that they’re out there on the streets for one reason: Aroha ki te tangata,” says Te Rau.

“It’s an honour to support people who are all about manaakitanga. People who are out there, actually trying to make the world a better place.”

Nationwide, close to 1000 warden volunteers take to the streets of our suburbs and towns every week, from the deep south to the far north. With the oldest wardens in their eighties and some just in their twenties, Te Rau says Māori Wardens are spread throughout whānau, with many younger ones choosing to carry on the work of their elders and parents. His own whānau included several wardens who were already community stalwarts: “I was scared of my auntie even when she wasn’t wearing a Māori Wardens uniform!”

Te Puni Kōkiri assists with training, support and resources. In coming months Wardens will be asked for input into how we can better support them in their mahi says Te Rau. Working on the ground with whānau across Aotearoa, means Wardens need a wide range of skills to do their work and that’s why Te Puni Kōkiri wants to hear from them.

“We want Māori Wardens to share with us their thoughts on training as part of our Rapid Training Needs Assessment. Building their capability and capacity is the aim,” says Te Rau.

A series of regional consultation hui will be held by the end of August to capture feedback from all Māori Wardens.

“Our Wardens training regime is extensive – from youth advocacy, to first aid, civil defence and emergency responsiveness. We are now keen to hear what areas they are keen on up skilling in.”

Te Rau says Māori Wardens are down-to-earth, every day people who choose to make a difference and to strengthen their communities.