A Gisborne festival organiser is praising Maori wardens for their gentle but effective approach to security and prefers to use them instead of regular security guards.
Rob Coe-Tipene is co-ordinating the Coast Vibes Festival in February next year.
He says he has employed Maori wardens before and appreciates their calm approach and their ability to easily relate to the predominately Maori festival-goers.
Mr Coe-Tipene says the wardens are more really approachable than security guards or police who can sometimes be a little intimidating.
He says it's like having members of whanau such as aunties and uncles patrolling the festival and making sure everything is going well.
