[7] Each regional entity builds relationships with local agencies and groups to promote Māori Wardens' services.
[15] In July 2019 representatives at a national conference of Māori Wardens discussed ways to modernise the organisation and a working group was set up to consult with the government.
[17] In 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, Māori Wardens worked with health authorities to encourage local people to get vaccinated and supported efforts in welfare and border control.
[18][19][20] Criticism that Māori Wardens are a form of racial discrimination dates back as far as the 1960s.
[21] In 1997 the then chairman of the Māori Council Sir Graham Latimer stated that he supported the 1962 Act, saying: "Even though it is discriminatory, it is needed for our people".
[22] In 2011 New Zealand Police were considering asking Māori Wardens to help patrol busy areas during the Rugby World Cup.
[24] In 2016 lawyer Graeme Edgeler described the Māori Community Development Act 1962 as New Zealand's "most racist law" and several politicians backed his call to repeal the legislation.