Champions Initiative

21/04/2026

A week of experience and privilege for some of our Champion members at the Pacific Nations Boxing Competition in Fiji 🌴

We had representative boxers from Cannons Creek, Hastings Giants and Naenae, with impressive wins delivered throughout the event.

Overall, the CI team represented NZ with pride and consistency:
🥇 2 Gold – Cannons Creek
🥇 1 Gold – Naenae
🥇 3 Gold &
🥈 3 Silver – Giants Boxing

A solid team effort and a great display of discipline and skill.
A massive thank you to the Fijian Amateur Boxing Association for hosting an incredible event. Our boxers gained invaluable experience and learned so much throughout the competition — we truly appreciate the opportunity.

13/04/2026

A bright start to the week. Our National team representing each of Champion Initiative Partners in their team shirts. All part of a greater good. Together we are better. Have a brilliant week everyone 🥊

29/03/2026

👂Heard of our DEVELOPMENT EVENTS?

Jumping from practice to performance can be quite daunting, so CHAMPIONS INITIATIVE provides a steppingstone to full competition in the form of DEVELOPMENT EVENTS.

The aim of Development Events and Bouts is to introduce novice boxers to performing under competition conditions in a safe and controlled environment. Development Bouts are for males and females and are matched in the same way a regular bout is made; that is, gender, age, weight, and experience. Boxers wear the appropriate kit and equipment – as they would for a competitive bout – with the main difference being the use of sparring gloves.

Additional adaptations include shortened rounds length and a restriction on punching (type of punch and level of force/power). Participants are assessed on Balance, Movement, Punching (mechanics and accuracy), and Defence (‘Technical Points’). They are also awarded ‘Champions Points’ for Preparation (correct equipment etc.), ‘Sportsmanship’, and Attitude.

Only athletes who have progressed through Levels 1 to 5 of the CHAMPIONS LEARN programme can take part in Development Bouts. This is to ensure they have completed the full Champions Learn curriculum with regards to moving, punching, and defending.

Champions Initiative aim to hold at least 3 Development events a year - so keep an eye for the next one 👁️
Naenae Boxing Academy Cannons Creek Boxing Academy Mid Canterbury Boxing Academy Te Awamutu Boxing Academy Hastings Giants Boxing Academy Wairarapa Boxing Academy Southern Queens Boxing Gym

19/03/2026

We are absolutely thrilled to share that Erinna Lane has been appointed as our new Chief Executive at Champions Initiative!!! Erinna brings extensive organisational knowledge and leadership. She began her journey with Champions as Local Manager of Te Awamutu Boxing Academy and served on our national board for a time as well. Over the past five years, Erinna has played a central role in building the systems, safety frameworks, and national capability that now underpin our organisation’s growth. Her appointment represents both continuity and the change of gear needed for this next season.

A note from Erinna: "It is an honour to step into the role of CEO at Champions Initiative. I am sold out on the fact that well-run boxing gyms make a very real difference in our communities. Having worked on the ground at an academy, I understand the challenges and am committed to ensuring our national partnerships with local academies are meaningful to the work our people do on the ground."

18/03/2026

My biggest learning was that challenges help you discover new things about yourself, and that you’re capable of more than you think.
CCBA Manager, Paegan, takes on Outward Bound Trust of New Zealand. Read her story and the learnings she bought home.
https://www.championsinitiative.org.nz/news/outward-bound-opportunities-at-champions-initiative
Cannons Creek Boxing Academy

07/03/2026

A wonderful day together at our first Development Event for 2026!! Huge thanks to everyone for your contributions. Onwards!!

02/03/2026

Don't let these two have all the fun 🥊
This Saturday from 11am Naenae Boxing Academy will host the first Champions Initiative Development Event for 2026
Watch our up-and-coming members from across our Champion Initiative Partner academies, testing out their skills in a safe and fun format.
Your support will mean the world to our members, and we can't think of a better way to spend a weekend 🎉

Naenae Boxing Academy Creek Boxing Academy Canterbury Boxing Academy Te Awamutu Boxing Academy Hastings Giants Boxing Academy Wairarapa Boxing Academy Queens Boxing Gym

08/02/2026

👊Chasing dreams. Naenae Boxing Academy member Zakir Yusof gave it his best shot at the Youth Olympic trails this weekend in Auckland. We are proud of you Zakir 🤞

03/02/2026

Are you Bold, do you care, and do you want to have fun 😀

We are on the search for a regional coordinator to nurture our Auckland and Northern areas. If you want to jump on board with a rewarding organisation and really make a difference, please take the next step...

Bring your passion for community, youth & relationships & be part of a fun dynamic team where you will be rewarded both professionally & personally.

26/01/2026

We are back into it for another year - BIGGER and STRONGER than ever. ❤💪 We are looking forward to announcing some of our new Champion Initiative Partners (academies)!

Term One kicks off next week, so be sure all enrollments are done - which is easy now via our website. Just search for your nearest Champions Initiative Partner under 'Locations'. We can't wait to connect with you!

Naenae Boxing Academy Te Awamutu Boxing Academy Cannons Creek Boxing Academy Wairarapa Boxing Academy Hastings Giants Boxing Academy Southern Queens Boxing Gym Mid Canterbury Boxing Academy

15/01/2026

After six years at the helm, our very special CEO, Dave Graham will be stepping down at the end of March.
"It has been my absolute joy and honour to lead this wonderful organisation, working with some of the most brilliant, caring, and committed people one could ever know."

Whilst Dave will be continuing with the Foundation as a Board Director and coach at the Naenae Boxing Academy, it does mean his varied and extremely rewarding role is open. Check out the details below if you or anyone you know is up for a new career challenge!

The Champions Initiative champions rangatahi through community‑led boxing academies, strengthening young people and their communities across Aotearoa

15/12/2025

Showing the Hurricanes how boxers train! A great session out at Naenae Boxing Academy led by members Pierce and Zakir - pretty cool to see two of our young fellas steering the ship!