Maori Wardens

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).

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 support 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:

• Whakaiti (Humility)
• Tautoko (Support)
• Pono (Honesty)