Maori wardens have been around since 1860 and have a proud tradition. Throughout Aotearoa there are currently over 1000 wardens working in their communities.

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It was not until 1945 that Maori wardens were officially gazetted under the Maori Social and Economic Advancement Act 1945. This Act set up a system of self-government involved Tribal Executive Committees and Tribal Committees. Tribal Executives were responsible for nominating Maori wardens, exercising control over their activities and reimbursing expenses.

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The Maori Community Development Act 1962 gave the NZ Maori Council responsibility for Maori Wardens.

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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).

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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.

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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:

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• Rangimarie (Peace)

• Manaaki (Kindness)

• Kōrero (Talking)

• Whakaiti (Humility)

• Tautoko (Support)

• Pono (Honesty)

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More information can be found HERE