Top Spot

Mea Motu is a world champion boxer, having claimed the IBO super bantamweight title in April this year. The mother of five has been boxing professionally for just over two years. She describes the West Auckland Peach Boxing gym she trains at as her happy place and her motivation.

“PEOPLE SAY boxing is a lonely sport, but I’ve never felt that because I’ve got my team 100% behind me; they believe in me. They have got my back and that’s really encouraging and empowering for me. That’s my inspiration.

We’re all grinding together here, pushing ourselves to the next level physically and mentally. I come here and my worries go away. It becomes about boxing. You lash it out and forget everything. It really works.

I grew up in Kaitaia (in Northland) and further up, in Ahipara – right on Shipwreck Bay; and Ahipara is where I go for holidays. That’s where I want to go, every time I need a break away.

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I go diving; I love being in the sea. The kids love it too, going on the quads, running dirt bikes, riding the horses, catching eels, catching seafood.

Nothing beats New Zealand. I’ve been overseas, I’ve been to lots of other countries, but it feels polluted and toxic, everything seems so structured and people only care about their work life and their money life.

Kids overseas, they’re on devices or at theme parks. Here, we’re going to the beach, going surfing, horse riding …we do all the fun stuff. We’re into nature here.

New Zealand really makes the most of it. We like the real things.”

Waikato calling – a road trip in an EV from Auckland to Cambridge

Rāwene, on the edge of Hokianga harbour, is a gem of a town

Time out on Great Barrier Island

Nelson’s Brook Waimārama Sanctuary, a community project to protect native species

Whakarewarewa Cycling Trail is a highlight of Rotorua

Painting a picture – Christchurch Street Art

Greek Islands – the Dodacanese – are a hub of adventure

Family fun in the Cook Islands