An Advocate for Māori and Social Justice
Toni Boynton is an alumnus of Te Pokaitahi Reo and Bachelor of Humanities at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi.
She may be more commonly known for her role as the Kāpū-te-rangi Māori Ward Councillor at Whakatāne District Council. In 2023 she was a running candidate for the Waiariki seat under the Labour Party.
Toni campaigned for several years and played a significant role in the petition to Parliament, calling for fairer establishments of Māori Wards. The petition sought over 11,000 signatures, resulting in the Local Electoral (Māori Wards and Māori Constituencies) Amendment Act 2021.
Talking about that experience, she says, “I felt privileged to be a part of this process, so many people were essential in backing the campaigns over the last 20 years to establish Māori Ward seats and change the legislation.
“I am a founding member of Te Rōpū Tautoko Māori who alongside Action Station delivered the petition. We also filed in support of the Waitangi Tribunal Claim on Māori Wards this year.
“It is important to acknowledge that our Iwi entities, Māori land trusts, kura, kōhanga, and Te Tangata Tiriti organistions all played a key role in supporting the establishment of Māori Wards.”
She explains how the Bachelor of Humanities gave her the tools to understand and prepare for this process.
“The qualification helped me understand how the political system has created many of the issues we face in Māoridom.
“More importantly, it showed me how we can effect change. Learning about the whakapapa of colonial expansion worldwide and the origins of the constructs established to maintain dominance through political means was an ‘aha’ moment for me.
“The supportive environment of Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi helped me to realise these things and be aware of the local systems and mechanisms we can use to make change. I wasn’t just reading or writing about theories; I was living them.”
Toni serves as the Co-Chair of Te Maruata and is on the National Council of Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) and Electoral Reform Committees.
“Te Maruata provides advice to LGNZ and ensures a Te Ao Māori lens is applied to their decisions; elected members are doing amazing mahi in local Councils across the country.
“There is significant mahi being done around Electoral Reform, including potential changes like a four-year term instead of three and increasing voter participation. I’m working on a local project to develop community civics education wānanga, so our whānau can learn the whakapapa of local government and understand how they can participate, and effect change for their whānau and communities. This is critical kaupapa that I’m really passionate about.”
Toni is the great-great-granddaughter of the legendary Tūhoe prophet, Rua Kenana. She explains how his legacy has influenced her journey.
“Kotahi Te Ture Mo Ngā Iwi E Rua – One Law for Two People. This phrase was on the Haki of Maungapōhatu, known as Rua’s Flag, taken during the 1916 raid. Originally Tutakangahau’s Haki, it was given by the then Premier of New Zealand and included the Union Jack.
“The words reference the discriminatory laws of the government towards Māori, clearly stating that the laws should apply equally to both peoples, rather than having one set of laws that unfairly discriminates against Māori while privileging non-Māori.
“We’ve always known our koro since we were born. My father practiced his teachings, as did my grandmother, and now I practice these same teachings with my sons. He has always been and will continue to be a significant political and spiritual figure for many of us. He influences all aspects of my life because he is in it every day.”
Toni is also a member of the Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity cohort of 2023.
“Atlantic Fellows is a global programme funded by the late philanthropist Chuck Feeney. Established in 2017, it includes seven programmes with renowned universities worldwide, each focusing on equity.
“The headquarters at Oxford University hosts Global Convening where all fellows from around the world meet to share, collaborate, and connect. Many Māori are involved, holding leadership roles both at Oxford and in Aotearoa. This programme helps us to connect with other indigenous communities and those facing extreme inequities, learning from their stories and experiences.
“The connections I’ve made have been invaluable. For example, I now have support for my Civics Education project from a friend in New York and insights from others using dance, music, and AI to educate and share narratives. Atlantic Fellows allows us to innovate in education and collaborate to bring ideas to life.”
Toni Boynton
Qualifications: Bachelor of Humanities, Te Pōkaitahi Reo
Iwi: Ngāti Awa, Tūhoe, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Kahu
Kimihia he huarahi ako
What can you study?
Te Tohu Toi Tangata: Bachelor of Humanities
