RNZ have released a podcast exploring stories and history associated with Aotearoa’s Māori Wardens:
Māori Wardens have been part of New Zealand for some 170 years and their work has had a lasting impact on many New Zealanders. However, the story behind this podcast started just a few decades ago, when a hitchhiking 11-year-old boy was picked up by Kirikiriroa Māori Warden Joyce Williams, the start of a relationship that would change his life. That 11-year-old was Murdoch Ngahau, who grew up into a career in Māori media and communications. He told the story to his community radio colleague Dr Amber Hammill, and that conversation turned into collaborating on Hi Viz Manaaki: Māori Wardens - a podcast exploring the heart, history and future of Māori Wardens – Aotearoa’s hi viz kaitiaki of aroha, manaaki, and mana motuhake.
Across six episodes, the podcast tells a compelling story of commitment and care, starting with Joyce’s story as a founding member and leader of the modern-day Māori Wardens. It takes listeners through the organisation’s history, as well as it’s challenges and purpose today. An inspiring bonus episode pays tribute to the life and work of Joyce’s daughter Gloria Dornan, an important collaborator on the podcast in her final months. Gloria discusses her journey following her mother’s footsteps in the Māori Warden work, embodying the motto "Aroha ki te Tangata" (love all mankind). Her words reflect resilience, gratitude, and a profound belief in hope and family.
RNZ’s Executive Editor, Audio Tim Watkin says the strength of the podcast is in its personal connections. “Murdoch’s introduction to the Māori Wardens through Joyce is incredibly powerful and captures the life-changing work of an organisation we all see on street corners and at big events, but don’t really understand. The podcast takes you inside the wardens’ work and inside the big hearts of those who have been doing this mahi for decades.”
Check out this vibrant podcast from RNZ: