MĀORI WARDEN SUPPORT

Within days of Cyclone Gabrielle striking, an out-of-region group of Māori Wardens was on the ground supporting local whānau.

They began in the isolated communities of Willow Flat, Kotemaori, Putere, Raupunga, Mohaka, and Waihua.

From the southern end of the district, the team then focused on the North Clyde community, starting by helping with the welfare support that Hinemihi Marae whānau was coordinating and then supporting the community with welfare, under- house silt removal, rubbish removal, building-repair work, food parcels and connecting individuals through door knocking and psycho-social (wellbeing) check-ins.

Auckland-based Blaine Hoete is co-ordinating the Wairoa effort under the combined regional umbrella of Te Piringa Manatopu, Takitimu and Te Tairawhiti regions and said the foundation of Māori Wardens is based on Aroha Ki Te Tangata, Manākitanga, Whānaungatanga, Kotahitanga and Tino Rangatiratanga, togetherness, supporting one another to maintain individual’s mana and dignity while in these traumatic spaces. “We are active in the community and try to fill the gaps where we are needed. We are like connectors and are onto visit number 10 for some whānau. Our role can be heartbreaking when we see what some whānau and individuals are going through, but it is also rewarding when we can assist and get an improved outcome.

It was while the Māori Warden team was in the community that they met experienced carpenter Steve Kingi, who lives at Marumaru with his wife, Wilma. Steve was already helping in the community, focusing on kaumātua and Wairoa’s more vulnerable whānau and individuals. By working together, Steve and the team have been able to achieve more, and the Kingi’s also provide accommodation for the Māori Wardens.

Blaine says the Māori Warden’s presence will remain in place for as long as needed. “Wairoa still has a high need. We are seeing displaced elderly, disabled, and single parents moved from pillar to post because there is no appropriate accommodation in town. This puts pressure on the individuals and whānau who support them”.
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“We see that Wairoa had some infrastructure and social economic issues prior to Cyclone Gabrielle, but because the cyclone did not discriminate as to who it would target, it has left a pathway of destruction and trauma in its wake. We are here to support by rebuilding capability and capacity in the community. It is also an opportunity to support the growth of the Māori Warden Movement here so that Wairoa can strategise, maintain and sustain itself.”

A team of Māori Wardens is supporting Wairoa’s Recovery. Their most recent task was sorting and organising donations. Pictured are Blaine Hoete (Auckland Central), Waiata Takuira (Palmerston North), Tamihana Hohaia (Tāmaki Ki Te Tonga), Dawn Wairama (Feilding) and their Wairoa host Wilma Kingi (Omahu Marae). Absent, Steve Kingi (Takitimu and Te Reinga Marae).

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