History

Our story

Overview

 Māori Wardens began nationally in the late-19th century, formally recognized as civil authorities by the Māori Social and Economic Advancement Act (1945) and Māori Community Development Act (1962).

Inspired by this tradition, a collective of local Christchurch kaumātua and community leaders came together to establish Ōtautahi Māori Wardens

Ōtautahi Māori Wardens Association 2006 Incorporated was formed on 10 August 2006 and registered as a charitable organisation (CC52710), Ōtautahi Māori wardens focuses on providing support, a safety presence on marae, at events and security, traffic, and crowd control and first aid for the individual and businesses in Ōtautahi and the wider community.
Ōtautahi Māori Wardens are an intrinsic part of our communities in Aotearoa New Zealand. They have been supporting whānau for over 10 years at a grassroots level and have well-established relationships that enable them to work closely with whānau, Māori organisations, community groups and government agencies.
This business plan will not only provide the reader with the information about Ōtautahi Māori Warden Association 2006 Incorporated but will also identify that they are a vital service that is needed throughout Ōtautahi and the wider community.

Kaiwhakatu

(Founder)

Garry Te Wani senior - More than just a Uniform

 

It has been thirty-three years since he first put on the black and yellow high viz uniform of the Otautahi Maori Wardens a decision that was made by Kaumatua Tip Manihera for this Kaumatua saw that Garry had the right attributes that a Maori Warden needed because of this decision Garry life would never be the same.

When you hear the name Garry Te Wani around Otautahi you’ll usually see a smile follow. He’s one of those people you just trust straight away. Calm, steady, with a quiet strength that speaks volumes. But behind the humble presence is a journey that’s both inspiring and deeply grounded in service.

Garry first joined the Otautahi Maori wardens not to stand out but to stand for something.

Garry Korero “ I just wanted to do something that felt right, something that gave back to our people”’ he says

And that’s exactly what he’s done.

From the moment Garry put on the wardens uniform he showed up not just physically, but with heart. Whether it was supporting our rangatahi at events, checking on Kaumatua during tough times, or simple being a consistent presence out on the street. Garry became a familiar face to many. He wasn’t loud or flashy – he led by example.

But Garry’s journey hasn’t been about just giving back. It’s also been about growth.

Through his mahi with the Wardens, Garry has reconnected with his whakapapa, deepened his te reo Māori, and grown in confidence. He’s taken on Leadership roles, mentored newer members, and brought his own lived experience into the Kaupapa in a way that grounds everything we do.

Garry korero: “Being a Warden’s not about being available. It’s about listening, showing up, and being part of the change.”

Now quite a few years in, Garry is seen as a pou within the ropu – a strong, steady figure that others look to for guidance. And while he doesn’t seek spotlight, we think it’s important to acknowledge the impact he’s had – not just on the community, but on us as Wardens too.

To Garry, being a Warden is more than just wearing a uniform. It’s about whakapapa. Manaaki, Whanaungatanga. And most of all, aroha.

Nga mihi nui, Garry – thank you for walking alongside us on this journey. The mahi continues, and so does your legacy

Meet our Execs

Garry Te wani

Kaiwhakarewa/Rangatira o te roopu

Jacqui Te Wani

Kaiwhakahaere

Rawinia Te Wani

Kaiwhakarite mahi

Jacqui-lin Luke

Kaitiaki Putea

Ivan Rollo

Tiamana Tuarua

Ngā Kai Tīmatanga –

Founding Whānau of Ōtautahi Māori Wardens

.

Core Values Exemplified

Aroha ki te Tangata (Love for People) – rooted in respectful support, central to wardens’ ethos nationally 

  • Kaitiakitanga (Guardianship) – caring for elderly, vulnerable whānau, and safe event spaces.

  • Whanaungatanga & Kotahitanga (Connectedness & Unity) – shared responsibility and collaboration in community safety and care.

Growth & Legacy

  • The initial founding whānau have established regular operations: tangi support, event crowd control, patrols, welfare services, and coordination with Police and iwi 

  • Over time, Ōtautahi Māori wardens has grown with another 30 trained volunteers on call 

  • Today’s leadership, such as Jacqui Te Wani (Chair) Garry Te Wani (Founder/Team leader) Rawinia Te Wani (Kaiwhakarite mahi (Coordinator) and youngest warranted warden at 13), carry forward founders’ legacy through community action, food parcel distribution, support at tangi, marae events, festivals, and cultural care initiatives