"They respect us now because we know them. We try to deal with every situation in a nice way and if they get angry with us we still bring them back to positive.
"If they were Maori we'd say your uncle is our chairman or I know your nanny or I know your koro so then the rangitahi started to respect us and once they respected us it made the rest of them follow."
It was not about being a Maori Warden but all about aroha ki te tangata and helping out the community, she says, regardless of race. There are 30 volunteer wardens in Tauranga with a recruiting drive under way.
Rose has been a Maori Warden since 1994, training under her kuia and kaumatua in Tokoroa. However, the Tauranga group holds a special place in her heart as she is from Katikati.
"I love it because we are all one family, even though we come from different hapu and iwi.
"Sharing the love is mainly about the mana you hold because you can't take the mana out of a Maori."
The wardens hit the bus stop beat beat every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday afternoon and also work on The Strand every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night where they help police.
Alcohol often fuelled fights and the wardens saw, and were sometimes subjected to, fighting, spitting, yelling and swearing but it was all part of the job, Rose says.
"Our relationship with the police is great. Let's say like big brother, we are the Maori Wardens and they are the big brother with the blue light and the police van."
Events were another major undertaking - including the Koroneihana (coronation) of the Maori king, February 6 in Waitangi, TW Ratana's birthday at Ratana Pa near Whanganui, kapa haka gatherings and the recent royal visit by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to Cambridge.
However the 150th commemoration of the Battle of Gate Pa is Rose's fondest memory to date.
"It was absolutely beautiful and amazing. A very moving emotional day."
WANT TO JOIN?
Phone co-ordinator Dora Lee Smith on 027 5092403, call into 95 Willow Street or e-mail tgammw@gmail.com for more information. Training will be provided.