At West City Boxing, the lessons learned in the ring have a habit of helping young people for life.
Run by the West Auckland Youth Development Trust, the gym uses boxing to help local rangatahi build confidence, discipline, resilience and a stronger sense of direction. Many of the young people who have come through the doors are now stepping up to mentor the next generation. We are proud to support that work with $20,000 from our Your West Support Fund.
Among those to come through the gym is 20 year old Fiston Iraddukunda. After growing up in challenging circumstances and beginning to head down a risky path, Fiston found structure and purpose through boxing. In 2025 he became a New Zealand National Champion, and this year he followed it with both the North Island and New Zealand Golden Gloves titles. Beyond the medals, the gym has helped him build confidence, focus and a new path forward.
That cycle of young people finding their feet and then helping others do the same runs right through West City Boxing. Local Westie Hala Houma turned his own challenging experiences into a reason to give back, and is now both a competitive boxer and a youth coach while completing a Certificate in Youth Work. National Champion Sebastian Grey coaches the younger Mini Cadets and has grown into a student leader at school. Other young coaches bring their own lived experience to helping local kids develop teamwork, discipline and self belief.
“Boxing might be what gets young people through the door, but what they learn here are the life qualities that will take them further in life than just the ring,” says West City Boxing founder Matthew Grey. “It’s discipline, confidence, showing up for yourself and knowing there are people in your corner. The best part is seeing rangatahi who have been supported here turn around and become role models for the next group coming through.”
Our CEO Allan Pollard says the programme shows the wider impact grassroots sport can have.
“Young people are finding direction here, then using those experiences to lift up others around them. That ripple effect is incredibly powerful, and we’re proud to back an organisation creating positive pathways for West Auckland.”
Learn more about West City Boxing and their classes at westcityboxing.nz.
If you or your organisation could use support from The Trusts, find out how to apply at thetrusts.co.nz/our-funds.
