Mere Broughton (born Mary Mereiwa Whakaruru; 24 December 1938 – 31 January 2016) was a New Zealand Māori language activist, unionist and community leader. Born in Hastings, she played a significant role in efforts to revitalise te reo Māori and to create institutional spaces for Māori culture within higher education. Over several decades she combined cultural advocacy with workplace organisation and public service.

Early life and background

Details of Broughton’s early life are reported in community histories; she came from a Māori background and later took an active part in movements to protect and promote Māori language and customs. Her work as an adult centred on education, marae development and staff representation within tertiary institutions. She was recognised for her public service and received national honours during her lifetime.

Te Herenga Waka Marae and cultural work

While working at Victoria University of Wellington in the 1970s and 1980s, Broughton was instrumental in establishing Te Herenga Waka Marae on campus. Together with colleagues, including her husband Te Huirangi Waikerepuru and Wiremu Parker, she helped create a practising marae that became a focal point for ceremonies, language classes, cultural education and community gatherings. The marae remains an example of how universities in Aotearoa integrated Māori cultural infrastructure into campus life as part of broader language and cultural revitalisation efforts (cultural background).

Language advocacy

Broughton supported the revival and normalisation of te reo Māori, encouraging its use in public events, teaching and institutional settings. She worked with educators and community groups to promote language learning and to raise awareness of tikanga (custom) within academic contexts. Her advocacy contributed to a generation of initiatives aimed at strengthening te reo in both formal education and community practice (Māori language).

Union activity and the Tertiary Education Union

Alongside cultural work, Broughton was active in staff representation. She took part in the Association of University Staff, which later became part of the Tertiary Education Union. Her involvement reflected a commitment to improving conditions for university staff and ensuring that cultural rights and recognition were considered in employment and institutional policy. In 2010 she was named the TEU’s first life‑time member, acknowledging sustained service to union organisation and education-sector advocacy (union and staff matters).

Advisory roles and wider contributions

Beyond the university and union spheres, Broughton served on advisory bodies connected with Māori leadership. She was a member of the Tekaumārua, the advisory council to the Kīngitanga, giving counsel on cultural and community matters to King Tuheitia Paki. In 2014 she also took part in events surrounding the visits of the Polynesian Voyaging Society canoes, Hōkūle'a and Hikianalia, reflecting links between contemporary navigation, cultural exchange and Māori connections across the Pacific.

Death and legacy

Mere Broughton died at her home in Waitara on 31 January 2016, aged 79. Reports recorded that she died from heart failure. Her passing was noted by universities, unions and Māori organisations, which acknowledged her role in promoting te reo, developing a visible marae presence on campus and supporting staff rights. Her contribution to Te Herenga Waka Marae, to union life in the tertiary sector, and to advisory work for the Kīngitanga form core elements of her public legacy.

  • Born: Hastings, New Zealand (24 December 1938)
  • Key activities: Māori language advocacy, marae development, union activism, cultural advising
  • Honours: recognised for public service and named TEU life‑time member (2010)

For contextual information on the movements and institutions with which she worked, see resources on Māori language revitalisation, marae development in universities and the history of tertiary staff organisations in New Zealand. Additional background is available through cultural and union histories and institutional records (overview, union history, language initiatives).