Wardens ‘unique’

In its third year of operation, the Māori Wardens project has seen more than 700 wardens warranted, up from just under 500 in June 2007. Some 500 wardens have attended some form of training through the project.

At the handover of the vehicle keys to the Wellington wardens, Māori, Pacific and Ethnic Services (MPES) National Manager, Superintendent Wallace Haumaha provided an historical overview of the police relationship with the wardens.

“The celebration represented a significant shift in the cultural behaviours and attitudes of police,” he says.

“The wardens’ personalised style is what makes them unique. It’s what connects with the hearts and minds of the communities they serve.”

Māori wardens now provide a number of specialist services to the community on a voluntary basis, including duties outlined in the Māori Community Development Act 1962, which is current statute today.