Te Puea’s legacy aims to K-O kaumātua isolation

Corporate boxers have been inspired to glove-up to support an initiative dedicated to addressing kaumātua  isolation, by Princess Te Puea’s legacy for manaakitanga (caring).

Fight for Kaumātua is a fundraiser for a Hamilton-based trust that aims to enhance the lives of kaumātua.

Māori Princess Te Puea Herangi was one of the founders of Kirikiriroa’s Te Puna o Te Ora complex which has accommodated people since 1938.

The legacy endures under the guardianship of Rauawaawa Kaumātua Charitable Trust, which aims to holistically help  kaumātua (elders aged 55 and over) within the complex.

“The kaupapa (cause), I understand, was started by Te Puea back in the day, so if we can be a part of creating a nice warm, new environment for our kaumātua to use then why not, eh?” corporate fighter Rangitahi Pompey said.

Rauawaawa has more than 800 registered kaumātua but knows more, especially in rural areas, are still isolated and in need of support.

The organisation’s efforts to care for kaumātua requires funding to bring the nearly 80-year-old facilities up to standard.

“The facility upgrade is about our journey to $3 million and this is one of the events that we’re holding,” Rauawaawa kaiwhakahaere (CEO) Rangimahora Reddy said.

The fighters will step into the ring on fight night, August 27, but the efforts of trainers and supporters who have donated their time and talents to the cause have made the event possible.

“Our fighters have done all the training but people have invested in them and they’ve done it for nothing. I just wanted to mihi to them as well,” Reddy said.

Mana Tangata Boxing (MTB) owner and trainer Dean Northover has orchestrated the event since its inception in April and was on-hand at the weigh-in on Friday night with his support crew.

Their experience was evident as they managed weight and blood-pressure readings, paired opponents, checked gear and gave instructions for the night.

The possibility of knockouts was a hot topic among whānau, fighters and trainers.

“Everything’s all sweet until somebody gets knocked out. It’s pretty serious in there. The person in there’s trying to hurt you. The man in the middle’s telling him to,” Northover said.

But Northover clarified that violence was not the purpose of the occasion. He emphasised the need to adhere to the referee’s calls to break and stop, to wear head-gear and that only experienced people would be allowed in the ring-corners.

“I don’t just allow any person in the corner,” Northover said.

“We don’t just want your buddies that you go nightclubbing with. Your care and protection is paramount.”

And the mantra heard from most in attendance at the weigh-in was reinforced in the head-trainer’s brief to the room of contestants.

“Whether we win the fight or lose the fight, we’re both winners. Remember it’s for the cause,” Northover said.

Reddy was moved to tears as she looked around the room and reflected on the journey of the fighters.

“When you think of their journey that started in April of this year till now, it’s really impressive that they’re still here signing up and getting their gears together,” she said.

“To be here amongst the fighters. Feeling for them, feeling their tension, feeling their nervousness and at the same time wishing them all well.

“It’s actually really impressive how much passion our younger people have to step in the ring for our kaumātua.”

“I’m very, very humbled by them.”

Kaumātua have also felt moved to acknowledge those fighting for their benefit beginning with the head of Rauawaawa.

“Our chairman, Matua Owen Purcell, he’s 82 years old, when the first hui happened in April he was there to tautoko (support) the [fighters] and be present so they could see who they were fighting for,” Reddy said.

And that acknowledgement was extended as the participants got to meet kanohi ki te kanohi (face to face) with the kaumātua their efforts would help.

“Our kaumātua earlier today invited all our fighters so that they could see our kaumātua at Rauawaawa and mihi (pay tribute) to them for everything they’re about to do,” Reddy said.

The meeting  helped fortify resolve.

“Like one of our fighters said, it’s so emotional for our fighters to walk in and to see who they’re fighting for and to see the condition of the facilities and understand why they need to get in that ring and fight and why we’re on this journey,” Reddy said.

First-time fighter Damita Schuh, from Te Runanga o Kirikiriroa, was motivated by a speech to join that journey after an inspiring speech given by colleague and fellow fighter Rangitahi Pompey.

”She gave us a little bit of a speech and it was quite inspirational and we decided to jump on board for the cause. I’m just excited, really excited,” Schuch said.

Pompey  discussed her strategy for dealing with anxiety.

“I think I’m nervous but I’m not. I’m just trying to not overthink it all really.”

“I’ll get in there and do what I need to do and then get out again.”

Pompey said: “There’s a close relationship between Te Runanga o Kirikiriroa and Rauawaawa and hey we’ve all got kaumātua.”

The corporate event Fight for Kaumātua will be held  August 27 at the Cosmopolitan Club, Brooklyn Road, Claudelands, Hamilton.

For more information visit Rauawaawa’s facebook event page at Fight for Kaumatua Charity Fight Night.