April 11, 2023
Boynton to contest Waiariki
Labour has given Whakatane district councillor Toni Boynton the task of winning back Waiariki at the October election from the Te Pāti Māori sitting MP, Rawiri Waititi.
Ms Boynton, who has whakapapa to Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Awa, Tamakaimoana, Te Arawa, Ngāti Kahu and Te Rarawa, led the petition calling for greater fairness in establishing Māori wards.
She went on to be elected unopposed to Whakatane’s Kāpū Te Rangi Māori ward.
The mother of four says she’s driven the right of equality for Māori, echoing the legacy left by her great great grandfather, Rua Kenana.
Toni Boynton’s candidacy was announced at the Tūhoe Ahurei in Waimana over the Easter weekend.
Te Pāti Māori candidacy for Waiariki was announced at Te Matatini 2023 for Rawiri Waititi.