At just 18, Te Kahukura Boynton (Ngāti Kahungunu, Te Whakatōhea, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Pāhauwera) set out to change the face of financial literacy in Aotearoa. What started as a side hustle during university has become a six-figure business, a podcast with thousands of listeners, a growing profile as a public speaker, and a history-making pukapuka – all aimed at uplifting Māori and Pasifika through mindset, pūtea, and business.

An inspiring rangatahi, Te Kahukura represents a new wave of Māori leadership, bold and unafraid to kōrero about pūtea in the public domain.

As the Founder and Director of Māori Millionaire, Te Kahukura is on a mission to bridge the wealth gap for indigenous peoples. "I saw a big problem - there was no one in the finance industry who looked like me or shared my story. So, I decided to become the change I wished to see."

With that spark, she began sharing her personal journey with pūtea and self-development online. Thousands connected with her realness, her wairua, and her vision. It wasn’t long before this passion project became a calling, and Te Kahukura went all in.

Today, she’s a national award winner and a recognised voice on platforms like the Financial Markets Authority and National Young Leaders Day. Among her achievements:  Young New Zealander of the Year Semi-Finalist 2025, Girls in Business Awards Finalist (Excellence in Innovation) 2025, Y25 Trailblazer 2024, and a United Nations Women’s Entrepreneur of the Day Award. But it’s her impact in our communities that speaks loudest.

‍Changing Our Money Story

When asked what mindset shifts our people need to make, Te Kahukura speaks straight to the heart. “Because of colonisation and intergenerational trauma, many of our whānau carry a deep scarcity mindset. We’ve experienced ‘not enough’ for so long, it’s embedded in our subconscious. But our tīpuna lived in abundance. That’s our truth, too."

For her, transforming financial futures starts within. It starts with our beliefs. It starts with remembering who we are.

‍Millionaire Lessons: Ahakoa te Aha

Whether speaking on stage or coaching her clients, Te Kahukura leaves people with three big takeaways:

1. Ahakoa te aha – No matter what.  
   Anything worth doing will involve a challenge. You’ve got to stick to it no matter what.

2. 1% ia rā, ia rā – Small steps lead to big progress when taken consistently.  
   Don't underestimate a small step. Te Kahukura shares that her 70kg weight loss started with a 5-minute walk. Her six-figure business started with committing to one post a day. It's all about showing up every day, just 1% better.

3. What is the millionaire version of you doing?  
   By envisioning and embodying our highest selves, we become them. Make daily choices that align to the vision of the millionaire you.

‍A Book for the People

In her debut book Māori Millionaire, Te Kahukura made history by becoming the first Māori author to publish a personal finance book.  More than just financial advice, the book is a powerful call to action with the potential to transform lives now and long into the future.  “Writing this pukapuka reminded me just how far I’ve come. It’s a resource that can change lives, not just today, but for generations.”

‍Staying Grounded in the Hustle

Despite the spotlight, Te Kahukura remains deeply grounded which she puts down to her systems and self-awareness. “I gamify everything. I treat challenges like levels I need to pass to get to the next stage. I keep myself tau with meditation and journaling – it’s part of the mahi.”

Her journey hasn’t been without criticism or doubt. But her mission to create resources for whānau that bridge the wealth gap is bigger than any challenge that comes her way.

‍Advice for Aspiring Changemakers

For any wāhine Māori or rangatahi dreaming of starting something of their own, Te Kahukura offers this:  

“Money loves impact. Focus on making a difference with the right mindset and strategy – everything else will follow.”

Te Kahukura Boynton is an inspiring rangatahi who proves that you don’t need to wait for permission to lead. With courage, clarity, and purpose, she’s building generational wealth – not just in dollars, but in mana.

Follow Māori Millionaire:

• Book: Māori Millionaire: A Beginners Guide to Building Better Money Habits‍

• Podcast: The Māori Millionaire Podcast
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