Margaret Elizabeth Austin CNZM CRSNZ (née Leonard; born 1 April 1933) is a former New Zealand politician.

[3] During her time in Parliament, Austin served as a Minister of Research and Development, Internal Affairs and of Arts, Culture and Heritage at the end of the Fourth Labour Government.

[7] She also has an interest in astronomy, leading the project for the Aoraki-Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.

[8] In the 1997 Queen's Birthday Honours, Austin was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for public services.

[9] In the 2008 New Year Honours, she was elevated to Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to the community.