26 Sep 2014

Youth on agenda for Maori Wardens

7:53 pm on 26 September 2014

their first conference this weekend and Maori youth will be the main topic.

The three state branches of the Maori Wardens in Australia will be having their first conference this weekend and Maori youth will be the main topic.

Members of the Victoria branch of the Maori Wardens.

Members of the Victoria branch of the Maori Wardens. Photo: Facebook

The Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland wardens will meet Brisbane tomorrow to have a wananga, or workshop, to share ideas and discuss similar issues including how rangatahi Maori interact with the justice system.

The chairman of the Victoria Maori Wardens, James Hohepa Smith, said although each branch has their own way of doing things, Maori youth is a common theme.

Mr Hohepa Smith is based in Melbourne and said engaging with rangatahi who are on the street and getting the wider community involved and support from other agencies to assist them will be one of the main issues on the agenda.

Mr Hohepa Smith, of Ngapuhi and Te Rarawa, said 12 members from each state branch will meet tomorrow in Queensland.

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs