Nga Kaitiaki is without a doubt a hugely important contributor to safety and harm minimisation in the wider NZ underground scene We are deeply thankful for all of the difficult but essential mahi these legends have been doing.

We had a chat with the team so you can learn a bit more about what they are up to:

What's the origin story of Nga Kaitiaki, how did it come about, what's the kaupapa (values/principles/purpose)?

Nga Kaitiaki was originally formed by a collective of women from the South Island underground music scene who decided that enough was enough. Nga Kaitiaki seeks to implement a crowd care program which aims to reduce and educate against instances of sexual harm and harassment at events in the Aotearoa underground music scene.

We strive to address the wider issues we are confronted with; our focus is on providing an intersectional and decolonialism minded, radically inclusive environment and contribute to building a wider grassroots/activist network focused heavily on prevention and response. We recognize that we are all working towards the same bigger picture, and our fight is the same, education and prevention is our biggest opportunity to foster the positive change that is required.

What are you most proud of with your/the organisation's mahi?

The thing we are most proud of is the change of attitude in our community and the positive outcomes we have seen implemented by not only our organization but other events across the country. Nga Kaitiaki has been a huge catalyst of change within the underground music scene.

How do you feel your organisation's purpose relates to Twisted?

Twisted was the first ever event we had a team volunteer at and has supported our cause from day one. We return each year because we can see the change of attitude of the crowd and the benefits that our service provides to our community. And ultimately - that's exactly why we do this work. As challenging as it can be. We relate to Twisted Frequency in the same way that we relate to any event in Aotearoa, each event will always be stronger when you have the right safety, education, opportunities and procedures put in place.

What do you hope to achieve with Nga Kaitiaki at Twisted this year, what’s your vision?

Our goal at Twisted this year is to work alongside Psy-care, medics and security to foster an environment that is safe and comfortable for each attendee. Our vision has been the same since day one, to encourage and implement a system where people feel safe and heard. This year at Twisted you'll find us alongside the other care services. Our team will be available to handle any sensitive cases or instances of harm. Keep an eye out for our volunteer guardians in green vests who will be present throughout the event working to ensure safety on the dancefloors and throughout the campsites.

If there are any upcoming happenings you’d like people to know about, or you are looking for more volunteers, please give details of when, where, what, how to sign up:

Our team for Twisted Frequency this year is full, however there are still plenty of ways you can get involved and help us out. This week we have launched a give a little page that will give people the opportunity to help us purchase new infrastructure and fund further education practices for our long term volunteers. Nga Kaitiaki is a not for profit and entirely volunteer-run organization which has been funded by two of our long term volunteers/coordinators, we believe that the mahi we do is extremely valuable and we know that a lot of our community members believe the same. If you are in a position to donate towards the cause we would really appreciate that.

One of our coordinators often travels teaching workshops across Aotearoa, keep your eyes on our social media page to see if there is training popping up near you in the new year!