The Government has announced a funding boost for Māori Wardens, recognising their long-standing role in supporting community safety and social wellbeing.

Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka, Associate Police Minister Casey Costello and Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters confirmed on Friday that Budget 2025 includes $1.5 million in new annual funding for the volunteer-led service, lifting total support to $2.7 million per year.

Māori Wardens have been a trusted presence across Aotearoa for more than 150 years, often providing quiet leadership during some of the country’s most challenging times.

“Māori Wardens offer a friendly face when times are tough,” Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka said. “They’ve supported whānau nationwide for more than 150 years, providing training programmes for youth, food to those in need, and help in tough times like COVID-19 lockdowns and recent flooding events.”

There are currently more than 500 Wardens active across New Zealand, assisting with everything from keeping rangatahi in school to de-escalating conflict in the community.

“These services rely heavily on volunteers,” Potaka said. “Today we are ensuring they receive extra support, including transport and training for volunteers, and greater administrative support for staff to manage service coordination and, in some areas, expanding services to help meet the need.”

Deputy Prime Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters said the funding honours a commitment made in the coalition agreement between National and New Zealand First, and recognises the unique role Wardens play in maintaining social cohesion.

“Māori Wardens are a huge asset to New Zealand’s social cohesion and the prevention of social dislocation before it happens,” Peters said.

Associate Police Minister Casey Costello highlighted the mana that Wardens carry within their communities.

“Māori Wardens hold significant mana in our communities and make an important contribution to community safety alongside Police and other groups,” Costello said.

“Because they are so closely connected to their communities, they can be a familiar, caring and calming presence in sometimes stressful situations.”

The extra funding will also support Warden efforts at major national events, such as Waitangi Day and Poukai.