'We've been spat at': Wardens face abuse at slip cordon, build own shelter
Māori Wardens guarding the landslide-prone Mauao mountain in New Zealand report facing verbal and physical abuse from the public. The wardens have been forced to build their own makeshift shelter while managing cordon breaches by visitors.
Why it matters
This highlights the challenges faced by community volunteers in enforcing safety protocols and the tension between public access and site preservation.
Māori Wardens protecting Mauao Mount Maunganui say they have been spat at, had bottles and food thrown at them, and dealt with repeated cordon breaches.
Since the fatal Mauao landslide on 22 January, 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.
A makeshift shelter being used by Māori wardens while guarding the site.
Te Moni said wardens had been at Mauao since 8am on 22 January, and initially had 12 volunteers around the base.
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