Mere Boynton

Mere Tokorahi Boynton is a New Zealand singer, producer, actor and dancer. She is best known for her role as Mavis in the film Once Were Warriors.

Mere Boynton
Born
Mere Tokorahi Boynton
NationalityNew Zealand
Occupations
  • Singer
  • actress
  • producer
  • dancer
Years active1980s–present
Notable work

Early life and education

Boynton identifies with Te Aitanga a Mahaki, Ngāti Oneone and Ngāi Tūhoe iwi. She grew up in Te Tairāwhiti.[1]

Boynton trained in singing at the Conservatorium of Music in Wellington.[2]

Work

Boynton played Mavis in the film Once Were Warriors.[2]

Boynton sang Gareth Farr's Te Papa, for the opening of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. She toured New Zealand in Michael Parmenter's dance opera Jerusalem and was in a te reo Māori version of The Merchant of Venice, Te Tangata Whairawa o Weneti.[2]

In 2019, Boynton appeared in the premiere of Witi Ihimaera's show Witi's Wahine at the Tairawhiti Arts Festival.[3]

Boynton was appointed as Director Ngā Toi Māori for the New Zealand events organiser Tāwhiri in September 2020. Tāwhiri organises the New Zealand Festival of the Arts, Wellington Jazz Festival, and the Lexus Song Quest.[1]

In July 2021, Boynton was a soloist for the premiere of Matariki, composed by Gareth Farr and for which Boynton and Ariana Tikao wrote the words.[4] Matariki was performed by the NZSO in Auckland and Wellington, and was conducted by Gemma New.[4]

References
  1. "Mere Boynton Appointed as Director Ngā Toi Māori for Tāwhiri". New Zealand Festival of the Arts. Archived from the original on 17 August 2021. Retrieved 20 August 2021.
  2. "Mere Boynton". www.nzso.co.nz. Archived from the original on 17 August 2021. Retrieved 20 August 2021.
  3. "Bookmarks: Mere Boynton – once a warrior". RNZ. 11 September 2019. Archived from the original on 20 August 2021. Retrieved 20 August 2021.
  4. "Matariki: NZSO, Te Papa to host special celebrations". Stuff. 25 June 2021. Archived from the original on 20 August 2021. Retrieved 20 August 2021.


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