Mere Broughton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mere Broughton
QSM
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Mere Broughton at a TEU in 2015
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| Born |
Mary Mereiwa Whakaruru
24 December 1938 Hastings, New Zealand
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| Died | 31 January 2016 (aged 77) Waitara, New Zealand
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| Resting place | Pakaraka Marae |
| Spouse(s) |
Ruka Broughton
(m. 1960; div. 1978) |
Mere Broughton (born Mary Mereiwa Whakaruru, 24 December 1938 – 31 January 2016) was an important New Zealander. She was a strong supporter of the Māori language and a leader in workers' unions.
Early Life and Family
Mere Broughton was born in Hastings on 24 December 1938. She grew up in Te Teko and Kawerau. Mere had deep roots in several Māori tribes, including Te Āti Awa, Ngāti Awa, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāpuhi, Te Arawa and Ngāti Kahungunu.
She trained to be a nurse and worked at Whakatāne Hospital. In 1960, she married Ruka Broughton, an Anglican priest. They had five children together.
Working for Her Community
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In the 1970s and 1980s, Mere Broughton worked at Victoria University. She helped create Te Herenga Waka Marae there. A marae is a special meeting place for Māori people. She worked on this project with her husband, Te Huirangi Waikerepuru, and Wiremu Parker.
While at the university, she also became very active in a group called the TEU. This group helps university staff with their rights and working conditions. In 2010, Mere became the first person to receive a lifetime membership from the TEU. This was a big honour for her dedication.
Mere Broughton was also part of the Tekaumārua. This is a special group that advises the Māori King, Tuheitia Paki. In 2014, she joined a New Zealand group to farewell two special canoes. These canoes, Hōkūle'a and Hikianalia, were part of the Polynesian Voyaging Society. They were setting off on a long journey across the Pacific Ocean.
Awards and Recognition
Mere Broughton received several awards for her hard work and service.
- In 1999, the Hutt City Council gave her a Civic Honour Award.
- She was awarded the Queen's Service Medal in 2002 for her service to the community. This medal is given to people who have done great things for New Zealand.
- In 2009, she received the Tā Kīngi Ihaka Award from Creative New Zealand. This award recognised her lifelong effort to help develop and keep Māori arts and culture alive.
Mere Broughton passed away on 31 January 2016 at her home in Waitara. She was buried at Pakaraka Marae.
See also
In Spanish: Mere Broughton para niños
