Embargoed until the Prime Minister
finishes reading her Statement to Parliament

Hon Tau Henare
Minister of Maori Affairs

BOOST FOR MAORI WARDENS

Funding for Maori Wardens would increase 100 per cent this year, the Minister of Maori Affairs, Hon Tau Henare, said today.

"As announced by the Prime Minister in her Statement to Parliament, the Government will provide additional funding to help support Maori Wardens working with at risk youth in the community.

"Maori Wardens play an integral role in our communities working with both Maori and non-Maori, to keep our streets safe.

"While most work done by the wardens is voluntary, the Government recognises its value and this funding should ensure it is continued.

"Everybody's seen street kids on tv, or read about them in magazines, and it's largely people like the Maori Wardens who have to take care of these kids, week in, and week out. And it's this kind of hard work that is likely to prevent further serious offending down the track.

"The Maori Wardens are an asset to the community and I'm pleased to be able to assist them in their efforts," Mr Henare said.

Currently the Maori Wardens receive $100,000 a year under the Community Development Act. Following today's announcement their funding will increase by another $100,000 (GST exclusive) a year.

ENDS