Boyce arrived in New Zealand in 1953. He has been one of New Zealand's most significant designers for theatre and the performing arts, as well as a puppeteer and puppet designer. Boyce’s skill as a designer of sets and costumes is well-known, both for his boldness of concept and the detailed precision of his final work. He has tutored and mentored in a very large number of institutions. In 1977, Boyce was awarded a Member of the Order of the British and in 1990 was awarded an honorary Doctorate in Literature from Victoria University.
