Nor'West News: January 11, 2024

6
Thursday January 11 2024
Boxing gym teaches Māori principles,
tackles misconceptions about the sport
• By Michael Cugley
A BOXING centre is putting
Māori principles at the forefront
of its training programmes.
Papuni Boxing Ōtautahi offers
youth classes for ages 7 to 18
and runs an academy for junior
boxers.
Reece Papuni, a former professional
boxer and New Zealand
Commonwealth Games representative,
started his business in
2021.
“When you come into our
space, whether it’s for a long time
or a short time, you are a part of
our whānau,” he said.
There has been increasing interest
in the sport among Māori
and he has now introduced
classes for aspiring female boxers
aged 12 to 18 at his centre in
Addington.
“We wanted to create a space
where female participants were
empowered and so far, we’re
delighted with the response.
“Across the board, wāhine
numbers are up 30 per cent
and participation has increased
20 per cent for tama as well,”
Papuni said.
The programmes are informed
by the wellbeing model, Te
Whare Tapa Whā, which incorporates
the four pillars of health:
tinana (physical), hinengaro
(mental), wairua (spiritual), and
whānau (family).
“We prioritise a sense of belonging
and community among
not just our young people, but
their wider whānau as well.”
Papuni believed following
traditional Māori values of kotahitanga
(unity), manaakitanga
(giving), and whanaungatanga
(relationships) also removed barriers
for young people – including
misconceptions about the
sport of boxing.
“Boxing is a great vehicle for
rangatahi as it teaches life skills
such as discipline, respect and
integrity,” Papuni said.
Anne Cherie Manawatu-
Pearcy has three children attending
the club.
“The kids are learning so
much. They absolutely love it.”
She says Papuni Boxing
Ōtautahi also made it an affordable
whānau sport.
Rātā Foundation chief executive
Leighton Evans said the
South Island funder is proud to
support the boxing centre.
“We know rangatahi are
disengaging from sport and
active recreation, and this is particularly
apparent among Māori
and Pasifika communities and in
high-deprivation areas.
“The work Reece and his team
are doing to create a community
of support around young people
and remove some of the barriers
MIND AND
BODY: Papuni
Boxing Ōtautahi
focuses on
teaching Māori
principles and
boxing skills.
Inset – Papuni
during his
fighting days.
PHOTO: MĀORI
TELEVISION
that prevent them from participating
in sport is inspiring.
“They’re a proud kaupapa
Māori organisation, and their
impact extends well beyond
tamariki and rangatahi to
empower whānau and wider
hapori (community) to thrive.”
– Te Ao News
• Papuni Boxing Ōtautahi is
hosting a public open day on
Saturday from 10am-noon at
the 18B Clarence St centre.
Walk, Run, Fun!
6km and 12km options
17 th March 2024
Supporting
charity
www.city2surf.co.nz