Boxer-turned-trainer fights for disadvantaged youth
“These kids now have a safe space and a network, surrounded by positive relationships."
By Shaz Reece
An Invercargill champion boxer is fighting the biggest bout of her career as she battles the disadvantage faced by young people in her community.
Boxer-turned-trainer Faliu Mauu has been shaping the lives of rangatahi in Invercargill for the past 7 years, training them from whatever space was available, and footing the cost from her own back pocket.
Now, thanks to funding secured from Te Rourou, One Aotearoa Foundation, Mauu and her ever-growing list of young boxers have a space to call their own.
The new Southern Queens Boxing Gym has officially opened for training and Mauu said the space has opened a host of possibilities for her students.
“It’s amazing, it means we don’t get kicked out at a certain time, we can be here when we like, and I can spend more time working with the kids who need it,” she said.
“These kids now have a safe space and a network, surrounded by positive relationships.
And now that we’re in the middle of South City, we’re just a short walk away for most of these kids.”
Many of her students were dealing with various aspects of disadvantage and exclusion and Southern Queens Boxing offered much more than just the physical side of training, she said.
“We are quick to recognise issues and encourage all of the rangatahi to clear the mind, block out negative voice, and give them an outlet to channel their energy and frustrations.”
One student, 13-year-old boxer Zac Mulligan, said it was Mauu’s “passion and love for boxing” that made her “the best” trainer, but it was the support she provided that made her a mentor, and a friend.
“I would describe Liu as my second mum,” he said.
“It’s not even the fact that I can box now, it’s the fact that I know in myself that I’m ok. Boxing isn’t just about learning how to box, it’s the love and the support as well, it pushes you to the limit, not just physically, but mentally.”
Te Rourou community catalyst Stac Hughes said there had been a lot of community support for Southern Queens Boxing.
The Foundation was “stoked” to support the initiative as part of its Thriving in Murihiku Fund, which provides financial support to organisations creating positive outcomes for rangatahi in Waihōpai (Invercargill) and Motupōhue (Bluff).
“When it came time to make funding decisions, it was a resounding ‘yes’ from our community panel. Seeing the way Faliu works with the rangatahi, we just think, that’s real community change, she’s changing lives here,” he said.
The funding from Te Rourou has gone towards securing a property, equipment for the gym, and gives Mauu the ability to provide the support to South City rangatahi for free.
She hopes to support up to 300 rangatahi over the next year, and to help them fight for a better future.
How awesome that our rangatahi are being supported!!! Ka pai Faliu and Te Rourou!!