July 13, 2020
Warden’s long service acknowledged
The Auckland District Māori Council has issued warrants to 51 new wardens in a ceremony designed to highlight the contributions of the committed volunteers.
District Council chair Matthew Tukaki says Saturday’s hui was a chance to remind whānau and the election candidates who turned up that the wardens do more than manage parking at marae, but they will be found helping whānau in courtrooms, mental health units and on the city streets.
He says the COVID-19 lockdown meant many people got a new appreciation of wardens, who they may have taken for granted.
As well as signing up 19 new nominees to do the warden’s training, he also acknowledged the long service of Te Raki Paewhenua warden Peggy Hughes.
"Peggy has been 48 years as a New Zealand Māori warden. She has now transitioned to the green uniform, the long service award, and her daughter Constance has been a warden for more than 25 years so we were there to recognise Peggy's service but we were also there to talk about the P addiction in our communities that Peggy is very much trying to do something about even still," Mr Tukaki says.
Similar warranting ceremonies are planned around the country.
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