The newest branch of the Maori Wardens in Australia will use this weekend's Matatini Festival in Sydney to boost their profile.
The New South Wales Maori Wardens Incorporated officially launched in February with support from the Queensland and Victoria Maori Wardens.
Chairman Rawiri Iti, of Ngai Tuhoe, says the competition qualifier, where nine kapa teams will compete to represent Australia at Te Matatini in Christchurch next year, will provide a great opportunity to highlight who they are.
His committee is looking forward to being able to speak to the public, especially on Saturday when the Maori cultural festival is in full swing, he says.
The wardens' first goal is to get accepted by the community, including the local aboriginal people, Mr iti says.
