Blessing to be held- media welcome
9.30am Thursday 16th April
Christchurch Central Station
A new initiative with Maori Wardens in Canterbury will be launched with the blessing of a new van for the wardens today. Inspector John Price, acting District Commander, says that it is part of a key partnership with Police, Te Puni Kokiri and the local maori community.
"The objective is to keep people safe at events and in public places," he says. "Police are excited by the prospect of this partnership which works directly with our strategic goal of community reassurance."
Police have funded a van, training and uniforms for the volunteer wardens. This is part of a national initiative. So far four wardens in Canterbury have received training with another seven due at the end of the month.
Constable Andrea Williams, Canterbury Maori Liaison Officer, says that the opportunity for Wardens to be on the street with police staff will give added community reassurance.
"The Wardens will be working alongside police but able to break barriers down with young maori kids at risk. The kids tend to shy away from the 'boys in blue' but see the wardens as part of the family," she says.
The Wardens' training includes health and safety issues, dealing with conflict and driver training. Though the Wardens have no statutory powers like police they are covered under the Maori Wardens Act. For example where an intoxicated maori person is being served alcohol they can remove this person from the premises. All Wardens are voluntary and have completed a police vetting process.
Superintendent Wally Haumaha of M.P.E.S will be in attendance at the blessing along with 'Uncle' Mike Kaui, one of the Police kaumatua.
The National Maori Wardens' project is a joint initiative between NZ Police (MPES) and Te Puni Kokiri. The project formally commenced October 2007 with a four day training course at The Royal New Zealand Police College involving 24 Senior Maori Wardens from within selected regions.
The project will deploy wardens into three themes of work:
1. Specific patrolling, DPR, Intelligence led problem solving alongside frontline staff.
2. Specific operations, community events,
3. Nga mahi watene, Marae work, attending conferences and hui as required.
"This is a fantastic opportunity to increase community reassurance by participation in effective crime and crash reduction," says Constable Williams
Constable Andrea Williams
Kaitakawaenga Canterbury District
Maori Liaison Officer