Manukau police and Papakura Maori wardens have joined forces to to form a new Youth Action Team in the area.
The team's leader, Sergeant Noel Atkinson, says the aim is to prevent crime before it reaches the levels in areas such as Manukau City and Otara.
He says the Maori wardens have a strong cultural base and extensive life experience which will be invaluable to the programme.
Sergeant Atkinson says the team includes wardens, five police officers and a full time Child, Youth and Family social worker.
