Taking a hit for their Kaumātua

Charity fight nights are not new – but one planned for Hamilton later this year will see folk from all walks of life enter the ring for an organisation established nearly 80 years ago by Princess Te Puea Herangi.

Te Puna o Te Ora was established in 1938 to care for kaumātua and is home to the Rauawaawa Kaumātua Charitable trust.

The organisation has scheduled a fight night as one way to raise the $3million needed to upgrade the Kaumātua complex.

“The main aim is to actually upgrade it, revitalise Te Puna o Te Ora ‘cause it’s close to 80 years old now and just to make it fit for kaumātua…fit for purpose but also to do justice to when it was built,” Rauawaawa Kaiwhakahaere (CEO) Rangimahora Reddy said.

Based  in Kirikiriroa (Hamilton) the trust aims to enhance the quality of life for kaumātua (all people aged 55+).

Kaumātua will not actually fight in the ring but  younger-supporters will.

Mana Tangata Boxing (MTB), owner and trainer, Dean Northover, has offered his facilities and services to assist those new to boxing and is ensuring  the corporate fighters are well prepared for the challenge.

One mother and grandmother Northover  will train is Kim Tipene who is facing her first time in the ring with kiwi-humour.

“This opportunity came and I thought what better way of spending my evening than getting my head punched in for the old people, yah know?”

She sees the event as an opportunity to not only get fitter and healthier for her moko (grandchildren) but to support an “awesome kaupapa (initiative)” too.

Tipene has worked with and seen the positive outcomes of Rauawaawa’s mahi (efforts) and is looking forward to the night. Her daughter, Sarah Tipene, is also weighing in and will be ring-girl on the night.

The Corporate event will be held on August 27 at the Cosmopolitan Club, Brooklyn Road, Claudelands, Hamilton and will have 15 bouts.

For more information on the event, Rauawaawa, and on ways to support kaumātua, visit here.