'We've been spat at': Wardens abused at Mauao cordon, build own shelter

Māori Wardens protecting Mauao say they have been spat at, had bottles and food thrown at them and dealt with repeated cordon breaches. <b>By Ayla Yeoman, Local Democracy Reporter</b> Since the fatal Mauao landslide on January 22, Ngā Wātene Māori o Mauao wardens have worked in shifts to guard the cordon around the closed maunga. Wardens say the job has brought verbal and physical abuse, dangerous breaches and difficult working conditions, including having to build their own makeshift shelter against the weather. Sophie Te Moni is chairwoman of Ngā Wātene Māori o Mauao Charitable Trust, which is contracted by Tauranga City Council to provide security at the cordon. She also works as a warden at the base of Mauao. Te Moni said wardens had been at Mauao since 8am on January 22 and initially had 12 volunteers around the base.