Mere Tokorahi Boynton was born in Puha, Gisborne and was educated at Whatatutu Primary School, Te Karaka Primary School, and Waikohu College. She went to Victoria University and graduated with a B.A. in Māori Studies in 1989 and graduated with B.A.(Hons) in 1991. Mere did a part Diploma in vocal studies at the Conservatorium of Music at Wellington Polytechnic from She has worked in the Wellington City Council as a Community Development Officer and has worked mainly with Māori groups. For three years Mere was Programme Manager at Taki Rua Theatre in Wellington and is currently working at Te Papa as Visitor/Entertainment Developer. Mere has sung and acted in various films, plays, and concerts.
Biographical sources
- Phone conversation with Mere Boynton, 19 June 1998.
Biography
- "A Culture Shock." Redbrick and Bluestocking: Women at Victoria 1899-1993. Eds. Beryl Hughes & Sheila Ahern. Wellington, N.Z.: Victoria UP, 1993. 115-117.
- An account of her years at Victoria University.
Reviews
- Rev. of In the Wilderness Without a Hat: Kei Te Koraha Kore Kau He Potae. Illusions 12 (1989): 8.
- Mere Boynton reviews Tuwhare’s play In the Wilderness without a Hat: Kei Te Koraha Kore Kau He Potae, which was performed at the Depot Theatre from July to August 1989, produced by Jim Moriarty and directed by Rangimoana Taylor.
- Rev. of "Te Rakau Hua o te Wao Tapu." Illusions 14 (1990): 16-18.
- Mere Boynton and Cushla Parekowhai review "Te Rakau Hua o te Wao Tapu", the programme of contemporary Māori performing arts held during the New Zealand International Festival of the Arts in March 1990. Mere reviews "He Oriori Mo Te Tamariki", a children’s theatre production created by Whetu Fala, Tina Cook and Makerita Matepelu, and Bruce Stewart’s play "Broken Arse". Parekowhai reviews two of John Broughton’s plays, "Te Hara" and "Nga Puke", in the form of a letter to her mother.
- Rev. of "Te Hokina." Illusions 15 (1990): 25.
- Mere Boynton reviews Riwia Brown’s play "Te Hokina", which is a sequel to her first play "Roimata". "Te Hokina" was directed by Apirana Taylor and performed at the Depot Theatre, Wellington, in August, 1990.
Sound recordings
- Te Papa. Wellington, N.Z. : Morrison & Co Trust, c1998
- Te Rangimārie pageant 4.15 am January 1st 2000, millenium event for Gisborne, East Coast, New Zealand. Auckland, N.Z.: Access Productions Ltd, 2000
- Produced & choreographed by Mary Jane O'Reilly. Sung by Mere Boynton, Nga Tuahine, Rapai Te Hau, Valeta Mathias, Tania Metcalf.
- The Māori Merchant of Venice Te tangata whai rawa o Weniti. Wellington, N.Z.: Te Whai Rawa Company, 2002
- Waikohu. Wellington, N.Z.: HRL Morrison Music Trust, 2005
- Ruaumoko. Wellington, N.Z.: Morrison Music Trust, 2005
- Iwi hit disc. Wellington, N.Z.: N.Z. On Air, 2006
- Aroha = Ahava. Auckland, N.Z.: Besser-Boynton, 2015
- Composed and performed by Jonathan Besser, produced by Don McGlashan and sung by Mere Boynton.