Māori wardens’ branches are being encouraged to apply to a $1 million fund to work with rangatahi Māori.

Te Rau Clark, Te Puni Kōkiri’s Māori Wardens Project Manager, says the fund will be spread over the next four years.

He says while there are other initiatives targeted at engaging rangatahi, wardens are in a unique position to point them towards employment or further education.

"Māori wardens have that trust within communities. They know the families, They know the rangatahi. They've got connections across communities from businesses through to family members, aunties, uncles. It's about issuing the trust they have and fostering confidence withing the rangatahi to get on to a positive pathway forward," Mr Clark says.

The role of wardens is changing, and that is encouraging younger people to join.

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