Ōtautahi Māori Wardens step up as community need soars
One Ōtautahi organisation is stepping up to support those in the local community feeling the pinch of rising costs.
During 2023, the Ōtautahi Māori Wardens were collecting, packing, and distributing up to 80 food parcels weekly, delivering any leftovers to local community pantries in East Christchurch. The Wardens' kaupapa of 'one parcel, one car' means those in need are offered immediate relief with weekly necessities, and they support as many people as possible with every delivery.
Data from Stats New Zealand shows the cost of living for the average Kiwi household increased 7.4 percent in the year ending September 2023. Grocery food was a significant contributor to this, rising 11.1 percent.
Ōtautahi Māori Wardens Kaiwhakahaere (Chair) Jacqui Te Wani says when the organisation first started filling the community pantries and food parcels, it was low to just below middle-income families that typically sought assistance.
Since COVID, the demand for support has extended to include middle-income earners and above, and the pressure on households means people are travelling further afield for help.
"What we're seeing now is people outside of the Eastern side (of Christchurch) that are coming,” says Jacqui. "It’s not just this side; we are seeing them from Shirley, Riccarton, wherever.”
Unfortunately for the Ōtautahi Māori Wardens, their food supplier closed permanently prior to Christmas, and they have been trying to find an alternative to meet community demand.
“We were delivering food parcels twice weekly – on Wednesdays and Fridays – and these were snapped up within half an hour of our team setting up,” adds Jacqui.
“Demand around Christmas was especially high as this is a challenging time for many whānau. The reality is if we had more supplies, the number of food parcels we distribute could easily be up to 140 every week.”
Providing access to food for people in need is not the only way the Wardens wrap their arms around the communities they serve.
Volunteers are active at a range of community events, from large-scale festivals to tangi, or simply by providing one-on-one support to a community member who may be struggling. They offer security, day and night patrol, traffic control, cultural assistance, and other essential services, such as transportation, to vulnerable communities.
“When we rock up to an event, and people see Ōtautahi Māori Wardens, they have an automatic perception they’re safe,” adds Jacqui.
She acknowledges the role of the Ōtautahi Māori Wardens “is not easy” and changes depending on the nature of the event they are attending. While their volunteer numbers are small at twenty-three, they can call on a further thirty if needed and provide access to police, fire, and first aid training to ensure the wellbeing of both the community and their volunteers.
Rawinia Te Wani is Jacqui’s daughter and has been a Māori Warden since she was thirteen. She was the youngest warranted Māori Warden and is now the Head Funding Co-ordinator.
The 28-year-old says she is proud to be Māori and give back to her community. She wants to demonstrate to rangatahi (youth) that they can take an alternate path and be proud of themselves, showing up for their community by giving back.
“For me, being a young person, I believe the importance of being (a Māori Warden) and having the Ōtautahi Māori Wardens in the community is to make sure that we are role models,” says Rawinia.
As well as setting an example for young people, Rawinia is passionate about caring for kaumātua, who she says are “our foundation.”
Te Puni Kōkiri - the Ministry of Māori Development estimates that there are up to 800 Māori Wardens across the country. It is one of the oldest volunteer organisations in New Zealand, nurturing deep connections with local communities for over 150 years.
Rātā Foundation has provided funding to Ōtautahi Māori Wardens for several years, including support with costs for a van to ensure they can make their deliveries.
Rātā Chief Executive Leighton Evans says the community relies on good people like Jacqui and her team for assistance in challenging times.
“It’s no surprise that as the cost of living increases, demand for support services that provide access to life’s essentials also goes up,” says Leighton.
“Ōtautahi Māori Wardens uplift communities of need in a variety of ways. We believe their strength lies in the trust and respect they build in their community, ensuring people get the right support when they need it.”