Friday, 05 February 2010
POROPORO kaumatua Julian Tunui has established a new office for the Whakatane Maori wardens in Kopeopeo - and he has come up with a plan to fully staff it.
On Wednesday morning, the new Maori wardens’ office in the Whakatane retail district was opened with a special ceremony in which children from Allandale School sang, community dignitaries spoke, and Mr Tunui outlined his plan for filling the office with new wardens.
For those in the community who know Mr Tunui - an Eastern Bay rugby stalwart - it should come as little surprise that his plan involves his favourite sport.
“My aim is to have 100 wardens here by September 2011, in time for the Rugby World Cup,” he said.
During the international event Maori wardens from across the regions would be sent to Auckland and other places where matches are being played.
“It’s an incentive for them,” Mr Tunui said.
“They might end up working in a car park - or at a stadium where they’ll be able to watch a game.”
Mr Julian said Maori people in the 45 to 55-age group should consider becoming a warden.
Situated behind the Civic Video store, the new office has had toilets and a kitchen area constructed, making it suitable for the wardens, who also have an after-hours office available to them in central Whakatane.
A computer and a fax machine have been installed, and a telephone was being put in next.
Mr Tunui said he hoped the influx of Maori wardens would help create “total harmony” in Kopeopeo.
“Dealing with gang tension is only part of what the Maori wardens do,” he said.
Whakatane’s John Hillman said he had been a warden for 40 years, having started in Waimana.
“Currently we have eight wardens in Whakatane, of which five are working full time,” he said.
While the wardens could get a bit of flack from rowdy characters in the community, they commanded a lot of respect.
Senior Sergeant Bruce Jenkins said the police fully supported the Maori Wardens.
“A very large portion of our people here is Maori and the wardens help with community relationships and they work to enhance good behaviour,” he said.
The wardens also often acted as “eyes and ears for the police”.
“The Maori Wardens help enhance community safety,” Mr Jenkins said.