Pacific Wardens Secured $1M Boost in Budget 2025 to Expand Community Safety

The New Zealand Government has reaffirmed its commitment to community-led safety and social cohesion initiatives by announcing a $1 million funding boost for Pacific Wardens in Budget 2025. The funding will be distributed over four years, delivering $250,000 annually to support the operations and development of the Auckland Pacific Wardens Trust.

The announcement was made by Minister for Pacific Peoples, Dr Shane Reti, who described the Wardens as an “indispensable grassroots force” in fostering safer, more connected communities—particularly in Auckland and South Waikato.

“Pacific Wardens are a trusted and vital presence in our communities — helping to keep our streets safer, our young people supported, and our neighbourhoods connected,” said Dr Reti.

A Decade of Service, Cultural Connection, and Community Impact

Pacific Warden Groups have been active for over a decade, offering a calm, culturally attuned, and visible presence in high-traffic areas, at major public events, and in vulnerable neighbourhoods. Their work includes:

• Street patrols to deter crime and anti-social behaviour

• Support at community events such as the Pasifika Festival and Polyfest

• Mediation and conflict de-escalation

• Mentoring young people, often at risk of becoming disengaged

• Liaising with social services, using language and cultural fluency to bridge gaps

Wardens are volunteers drawn from the communities they serve. Their deep cultural understanding and ability to relate to families, youth, and elders make them uniquely effective in creating safer and more harmonious urban environments.

Practical Support: Training, Coordination, and Expansion

The $1 million investment aims to professionalise and sustain the work of Pacific Wardens by directly funding:

• Volunteer training to improve skills in de-escalation, first aid, and community engagement

• Uniforms and equipment, enhancing the Wardens’ visibility and credibility

• Transport costs, enabling regular patrols and community presence

• Creation of a paid coordinator role, improving operational oversight and accountability

• National governance development, to replicate successful models beyond Auckland and South Waikato

“This is a practical investment that will go directly toward volunteer training, uniforms, and transport,” said Dr Reti. “It also allows the Trust to establish a paid coordinator role and build stronger national governance – providing the stability and structure these groups need to grow.”

Delivering on Coalition Commitments

This funding fulfils a key promise outlined in the National Party–New Zealand First coalition agreement, which prioritised enhanced community safety and support for Pacific-led initiatives. It is part of a broader push by the coalition government to back locally-driven solutions that yield measurable social benefits.

Dr Reti acknowledged the Wardens’ critical role in helping government services reach underserved communities:

“Wardens are often the bridge between communities and support services. They speak the language, understand the culture, and are well placed to de-escalate conflict, deter crime, and guide young people towards safer choices.”

Strengthening Social Cohesion

Beyond crime deterrence, Pacific Wardens contribute significantly to social cohesion. By promoting cultural understanding and creating visible leadership within their own communities, Wardens help reduce isolation, foster resilience, and ensure Pacific voices are central in the dialogue around public safety and wellbeing.

Dr Reti emphasised the broader value of their work:

“Our Government backs community-led initiatives that work. This funding helps Pacific Wardens do what they do best — supporting communities, reducing harm, and strengthening social cohesion.”

Looking Ahead: Expanding the Model

The Government’s latest investment provides the infrastructure and momentum needed for Pacific Warden groups to expand their reach. With formal coordination and national governance in development, similar warden models may be scaled across other urban centres with growing Pacific populations.

The Trust will now have the opportunity to:

• Pilot new warden groups in areas like Wellington, Hamilton, and Christchurch

• Develop partnerships with law enforcement and emergency services

• Promote cultural safety strategies aligned with Pacific traditions and values

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Budget allocation marks a milestone in acknowledging and empowering Pacific communities as proactive agents of change and guardians of public wellbeing. It is a recognition that sustainable safety does not solely come from enforcement, but from deeply rooted community leadership.

Dr Reti closed his announcement with a message of gratitude and optimism:

“I commend the Trust and all its volunteers for the vital work they do, and I look forward to seeing their impact grow.”