Ruahine "Roni" Albert is a New Zealand anti-domestic violence activist of NgÃÂti Maniapoto, NgÃÂti Tà «wharetoa and Tainui descent.
Albert was co-founder (with Ariana Simpson) of Te Whakaruruhau in Hamilton, the first MÃÂori Women's Refuge, in 1987. Still active with Te Whakaruruhau, Albert also has had roles with Child, Youth and Family, Work and Income and Housing New Zealand.
Now a multi-site refuge, Te Whakaruruhau operates a whÃÂnau facility which works closely with the Te Ao Marama Unit at Waikeria Prison and focuses on reintegration of offenders and reduction of reoffending.
The whÃÂnau facility was opened by MP Tariana Turia.
In 2000, Albert and national Women's Refuge head, Merepeka Raukawa-Tait clashed with MÃÂori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia over the perceived down-playing of domestic violence in the MÃÂori community.
Albert was awarded the Queen's Service Medal for services to MÃÂori and the community in the 2012 Queen's Birthday and Diamond Jubilee Honours.