Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board and Ward Councillor were recently invited to a ‘meet the team’ event for the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Pacific Wardens.
Formerly known as the East Auckland Pacific Wardens, the community patrol group has changed its name and registered as a charitable trust.
Part of becoming a charitable trust included defining its patrol area geographically to align with local security providers. The group works with NZ Police, Tāmaki Community Patrols and other security groups to create a united security presence across the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki area.
Community support training
Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Pacific Wardens are also involved in raising safety awareness within the community and they encourage others to take part in Pacific Warden training. They also put an emphasis on working with local youth and providing additional support and cultural assistance at local events.
Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board provides some funding for the group, while other costs are covered through fundraising by the Trust.
“This is a great initiative for our community” says Chris Makoare, Chair of Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board.
“It’s a benefit to have local people receive this sort of training, and I am sure that the guidance offered to our youth is better received when it's from people they have a connection with.”
“Our Pacific Wardens provide a wonderful and secure presence in the community. They are accessible and approachable people who really care,” says Councillor Josephine Bartley who sits on the Community Safety and Development Board.
“There are a number of volunteer safety groups that work in our communities and I would like to thank them all for the selfless work that they do.”
Maungakiekie-Tamaki Pacific Wardens patrol every Saturday night covering town centres Glen Innes, Panmure and Onehunga and including bus stations, train stations and parks.
The East Auckland Pacific Wardens group was formed in 2012 by Richard Takapautolo and Taniela Kaivelata and funded with help by the council at the time. It quickly built up to a group of 20 Pacific people including Tongans, Samoans, Fijians, Cook Islanders, Solomon Islanders, Niueans and Tokelauen.
