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Download AudioMea Motu has risen to become one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most inspirational sporting figures. As a professional boxer, a proud Māori wāhine, and a survivor of hardship, she embodies the power of resilience, whakapapa, and wairua in the face of adversity. Her story is not only about titles and knockouts – it’s about reclaiming identity, breaking cycles, and lifting her people with her.
Mea Motu (Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi) is a world champion boxer and mother of five who has become a beacon of hope for many Māori women. Born and raised in Northland and later living in South Auckland, Motu’s early life was marked by challenges, including domestic violence, poverty, and homelessness.
Far from the bright lights of global arenas, Motu’s journey began in the grassroots gyms of Aotearoa, where she trained under her now long-time coach, Isaac Peach of Peach Boxing. Her entry into professional boxing in 2020 was late by sporting standards, but she quickly proved herself a force to be reckoned with.
Mea Motu’s boxing record is exceptional. As of 2025, she remains undefeated, with a growing list of professional wins across multiple weight divisions. In 2023, she made history by becoming the IBO World Super Bantamweight Champion, making her one of only a few Māori women to hold a world title in boxing.
She has also claimed multiple national and regional titles, and her fights consistently draw strong audiences both in New Zealand and internationally.
What sets her apart isn’t just her physical skill, it’s her raw emotional honesty and deep connection to her whakapapa. She enters the ring with the names of her tamariki on her gear and the strength of her tūpuna (ancestors) behind every punch.
Beyond the ropes, Motu’s story is one of survival and transformation. She has spoken openly about escaping an abusive relationship, spending time homeless with her children, and rebuilding her life through boxing. Her courage in sharing her trauma has made her a role model for women across the country.
“I fight for all the wāhine Māori who have been silenced, who have had to fight battles no one sees,” Motu said in a 2023 interview.
Her journey has highlighted the struggles many Māori women face in Aotearoa, from family violence to systemic poverty and the strength it takes to rise above them.
Mea Motu frequently acknowledges the importance of mental health, cultural identity, and whānau support in her success. She’s a vocal advocate for Māori wellbeing and uses her platform to encourage rangatahi to pursue their dreams despite the odds.
She incorporates Māori values and tikanga into her life and training, including karakia (prayer), connection to whenua (land), and honouring her tūpuna. Her commitment to te ao Māori helps ground her and inspire others to walk proudly in their identity.
Mea Motu is more than an athlete; she is a voice for change. She regularly speaks at community events, schools, and domestic violence shelters. Her story is being picked up by documentary makers and authors, keen to share her message with the world.
She is an outspoken advocate for:
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Wāhine Māori empowerment
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Family violence awareness
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Mental health and suicide prevention
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Equal funding and recognition for women in sport
In 2024, she was nominated for the New Zealander of the Year Local Hero Award, recognising her contributions outside the ring.
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