Maori wardens deserve support

In the 10 days since it became public, it has been hard to avoid the topic of Stewart Murray Wilson and his being released on parole near Wanganui.

There have been public meetings, private meetings, discussions, threats and accusations. It is a vital story that must be told, even if some may feel that enough has been said, and that little can be done to stop what appears inevitable.

However, today I'd rather focus on something altogether more pleasant, a group of people whose contribution to our community might appear to be seldom acknowledged: Maori Wardens.

It's not as if they work behind the scenes, although they certainly do plenty of work there too. No, they are visible almost every day on our streets, at functions and events.

Today, we talk to some of those involved about what drives them and the good work they do.

Perhaps Te Reo Hemi sums it up best: "We work in this community, for the community."

Hinekaa Tanya Kingi and Barry Harris talk of their enjoyment of the job. Their passion is evident; these are people who obviously care deeply about their community and their role in it.

They are humble and don't seek attention for what they do, these Maori Wardens. Perhaps they should.

But they don't make a fuss about what they do, how they do it, or how much we owe them for what they contribute to our community. To borrow from a well-known advertising slogan, they just do it. And we should be thankful that they do.

I was told recently of an event where a warden declined a seat offered. It was, the warden said, not acceptable to sit down while on the job. The dedication to stand for long periods, possibly suffering discomfort in order to uphold the ideals of the organisation you represent and in the name of doing your job are admirable to say the least. There is a lesson there for many who baulk at old-fashioned notions of hard work, duty, honour and dignity.

We should be proud of them and the way they carry themselves. The term mana is so often bandied about but in these men and women it is so apt; they have it in abundance and it is earned.

So let us share a vote of thanks and pause to reflect each time we pass the Mountains to the Sea sculpture dedicated to their work.

Thanks simply that the Maori Wardens exist and the invaluable work they put into our community and events.

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