Mary Barton

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Mary Barton

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Mary Barton was born on the 14th of September 1932 and died on the 13th of August 2017. Mary Barton's tribe is Ngati Maniapoto. Ngati Maniapoto is located on the west-North Island of New Zealand. Mary Barton is a Māori human rights activist in New Zealand, and she is commonly known for her work with CARE NZ (Citizens Association for Racial Equality)

Mary Barton's activism began on her family's small 100ha drystock farm. Ever since she was a little girl, she was always aware of the 324ha farm that was confiscated from her family. The 324ha farm was placed in the hands of a Pakeha family. While still a teenager, Mary set off for a lawyer to help get the farm back. It took Mary 10 years, and a personal appearance in court, and at aged 27 she won the land back.

Mary Barton studied in the late 1940's at Teacher's Training College in Christchurch where she was then known as "special class teaching." She loved working with special needs children, especially those with down-syndrome and autism. During her time in Christchurch, Mary joined a social circle founded by left-wing beliefs. She worked with Jack and Elsie Locke. Mary's 15-year letter collection with Elsie has been stored away in the New Zealand archives. Mary Barton started teaching at small country schools in places such as Nukumaru.

Mary Barton became a founding member of the Citizens Association for Racial Equality (CARE). The organization fought against racism towards Māori and Pasifika. During the 1960's CARE fought against banks not employing Māori and compulsory pregnancy testing amongst Samoan immigrants. CARE was heavily involved during the Springbok Tour of 1981.

Mary Barton loved inviting important figures into her home. Some of the activists included Dennis Brutus (South African activist), James K.Baxter, and Kathy Walker (Aboriginal writer). Mary even marched alongside Dame Whena Cooper on her walk to Parliament.

Mary Barton's activism was cut short in 1971 due to the death of her closest brother Arthur.

In the 1970's, Mary Barton enrolled at Waikato University. She earnt a BA-double major in philosophy and Te Reo Māori. She says that social studies was one of her favorite subjects, one in which she inspired many young minds.

Mary Barton died on 13 August 2017.

References

https://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/96865936/obituary-campaigners-peaceful-fight-for-equal-rights

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