Te Maruata representative

-

Toni Boynton

“Our tamariki need to see themselves reflected in the leadership of their communities.”

Toni Boynton is a passionate advocate for Māori empowerment and community wellbeing. Motivated by the historical denial of Māori voices in local government, Toni's leadership as a founding member of Te Ropū Tautoko Māori helped remove the veto on Māori Wards, resulting in their establishment in 35 councils across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Toni has been the Co-Chair of the Taneatua Community Board, deputy and acting Chair of Te Waimana Kaaku Tribal, Mataatua Delegate for the New Zealand Māori Council, and is a trustee for both Ngā Toenga o Iharaira and for her marae, Tuapo, Matahi Waimana. She was also awarded the Atlantic Fellows Scholarship for Social Equity to complete her masters in leadership and social equity at Melbourne University.

Toni's aroha for her rohe and community stems from its unique characteristics – beautiful mountains, rivers and hot pools. With nearly fifty per cent Māori population, she loves that the area was the cradle of Māoridom and has nurtured world leaders in advancing indigenous rights.

As for the future of local government? Toni wants to see more community civics education programmes, more Māori representation, and more treaty and cultural competency education and training for councillors and councils.

Outside the council chambers, Toni is a busy mum of four. She has a passion for haka and loves performing, weaving, and painting.