Māori Wardens looking to reestablish themselves in Wellington
Māori Wardens look set to play a more active role in helping reduce crime in the city.
There were once 75 wardens in the city but now there are only two, with enforcements coming from Porirua and Hutt Valley when needed. Since their inception in 1860, Maori Wardens hold special legal powers, working alongside police, to help reduce harm.
This year marks the 160th anniversary of Māori Wardens, which its district commander, Gabriel Tupou, calls “a unique branch of Maori self-autonomy”. Wellington area liaison officer Suzanne Tamaki said the organisation now has a permanent office space in the central city, with the help of Wellington City Council, and is looking to increase patrols and recruit volunteers.
Helping to reestablish Māori Wardens' presence in the central city is one of a range of methods WCC are employing to reduce alcohol harm. An additional $80,000 in funding was also granted last week for Take 10, a volunteer group operating in the bar district, providing an array of services for people, including a time-out zone and phone charging.
Poll: If we want to reduce speeding, what do you think actually changes driver behaviour? 🛻🚨🚓
In the Post's article on speeding penalties, the question is asked whether speeding fines are truly about road safety, or are they just a way to boost revenue for the Crown?
What do you think? Should speeding motorists receive speeding fines or demerit points?
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30.8% The sting of a fine (Money talks!)
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69.2% The threat of demerit points (Nobody wants to lose their license!)
Poll: Are you still heading to your local for your caffeine fix, or has the $$ changed your habits? ☕
Wellington’s identity is built on its cafe culture, but with costs climbing, that culture is under pressure. We’ve seen the headlines about recent closures, and it’s a tough pill to swallow along with a $6+ coffee.
We all want our favourite spots to stay open, but we also have to balance our own budgets ⚖️
We want to know: How are you handling the "coffee math" in 2026? Are you still heading to your local for a chat and a caffeine fix, or has the cost of living changed your habits?
Keen to read more about "coffee math"? The Post has you covered.
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45.7% I avoid spending money on coffee
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44.6% I still indulge at my local cafe
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9.7% Irrelevant - coffee is not for me
Share your favourite main crop potato recipe and win a copy of our mag!
Love potatoes? We will give away free copies of the May 2026 issue to readers whose potato recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite way to enjoy potatoes: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by March 1, 2026.
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