Moderated by Matai Smith and curated by Ria Corridor, the opposite seven audio system are Tawera Nikau (Waikato), Jenny Could Clarkson (Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Kahu), Piri Weepu (Te Ātiawa, Whakatōhea, Ngāi Tahu), Dame Dr Farah Palmer (Ngāti Maniapoto, Waikato), Daniel Kereopa (Waikato), Honey Hireme-Smiler (Raukawa, Ngati Hauaa, Ngāti whakaue) and Peter Cowan (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Tuwharetoa, Ngāti Kauwhata, Samoa).
Aotearoa is thought for its contribution to nationwide and worldwide sporting occasions and for bringing communities collectively. To finish 2024 on a excessive notice, this episode will characteristic 9 elite athletes sharing their intensive sporting experiences, discussing key political moments in sport and exploring how being Māori has influenced and formed their respective careers.
Motu defended her IBO tremendous bantamweight world title with a brutal victory over Indian challenger Chandni Mehra in Whangārei final December.
Motu stated her connection to her Māoritanga was a power of power in her profession and anchored her values of resilience and mana. This provides her the braveness to beat adversity and face challenges head on, making her a fierce competitor on the world stage.
She hopes her boxing successes function a beacon of hope for younger Māori and that M9 conjures up the following era of Māori leaders.
M9 explores the dynamic intersection the place sport, tradition and politics collide. On this present political local weather, sport continues to deliver us all collectively and replicate our society. Māori athletes are continuously shifting alongside these converging paths, balancing between what it means to be an elite athlete and what it means to be Māori.
“I need to present our youth that it doesn’t matter if they’re from a small city, regardless of the place they arrive from, in the event that they work exhausting they’ll obtain their objectives and desires.” “With exhausting work and dedication you are able to do it,” Motu stated.
She stated there have been so many gifted younger folks in Northland who simply wanted some steerage and assist to satisfy their potential.
“There are occasions while you need to hand over, however then it's time to speak to somebody to get assist.” However that appears to be the toughest factor for us, however it's about not being ashamed and Accepting that speaking and asking for assist and recommendation is what’s going to allow you to.
“There may be at all times somebody who may also help you and you aren’t alone.” Your thoughts methods you into considering that you just do and that nobody may also help and that your issues are your personal, however assist and help is what works turns into.”
Motu stated it helped her psychological well being.
“I used to assume counseling was a foul factor, however it's a great factor and really supportive.” I received counseling for my psychological well being points and it actually labored. I wanted this assist. “It's okay to not be okay, we will all really feel that method typically, however it's not okay to maintain all the pieces to your self and never search assist.”
She credit her coach, Isaac Peach of Peach Boxing, with being the most important affect on her profession and turning her right into a world-class fighter.
“He advised me I may stop at any time and he didn’t care if I stop. He simply needed me to be the most effective individual I might be and he at all times supported me.” However I'm not giving up and I need to present the world what we Kiwis, what we Māori can do, that we will do it with the Tackle the most effective on the planet and beat them. And the world is beginning to take discover.
“This can be a robust sport and I need a number of world titles and anybody who stands in my method can pay the worth.”
Motu was because of battle for the unified tremendous bantamweight world title in Britain late final month. Nevertheless, because of an harm to English celebrity Ellie Scotney, the battle was postponed and Motu needed to face a substitute battle.
She made her Australian skilled boxing debut on October four, the place she destroyed Australian legend Shannon O'Connell. Motu defeated her inside 4 rounds and is 20-Zero with eight knockouts.
Motu stated O'Connell was a troublesome opponent, however didn't notice how a lot energy she was up towards till she felt it, because the Kaitāia fighter left her bloodied and damaged.
Motu is now ready for the unification battle and stated she is going to tackle anybody on the planet for these belts.
Motu stated it was nice to have Waka Ama Champ King on the M9 panel, underlining how sturdy the game is in Northland.
For tickets to M9, go to aucklandlive.co.nz.