Rodah and Te Kapotai share an intention that’s grounded in whakapapa, identity, and healing. They’re still learning, still growing — reclaiming their reo and deepening their mātauranga Māori. These foundations are shaping a long-term dream: a kaupapa Māori gym where rangatahi can show up as they are, through manaakitanga, and belonging, they can stand proud in who they are.
At the back of Spotswood, tucked away in an unassuming corner, you’ll find a small gym where something special is unfolding. The rhythm of gloves hitting pads mixes with laughter, quiet kōrero, and the kind of manaakitanga that comes from people who genuinely care. This is Taniwha Boxing — a space built from the ground up by Rodah-Rose Rameka and Te Kapotai-Kauri Tohu, for whānau, and their community.
Te Kapotai’s tough upbringing wasn’t easy, finding boxing at a young age pulled him through, giving him purpose, structure and discipline. His dedication led him to the world stage, placing fourth at the AIBA Youth World Boxing Championships in Russia in 2016. That same year, he earned a spot, qualifying for the Commonwealth Games team. But in 2017, everything changed. A broken neck during a rugby game brought his dreams crashing down and led to depression and personal struggle.
Still, boxing never left him. With over a decade of experience already behind him, he eventually found his way back to the ring — this time through giving back and coaching. What began as casual pad sessions for friends and whānau, soon revealed a bigger vision. He saw the need for a space where rangatahi could find belonging, strength, and pride — not just in boxing, but in being Māori.
Today, Taniwha Boxing is home to daily classes, young fighters stepping into the ring for the first time, and partnerships with youth-focused organisations who share the same heart. It’s a space for transformation.
“If you’d like to see what Taniwha Boxing is about – come see us and we’d love to connect. He waka eke noa – a waka everyone can board.”
He uri a Rodah nō Ngāti Tūwharetoa, nō Tainui, nō Ngāti Awa me Ngāpuhi. Nō Porirua anō hoki a Rodah.
He uri a Te Kapotai nō Ngāpuhi arā, nō Pipiwai.
Instagram @taniwhaboxing
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Taniwhaboxing@outlook.com
022 425 6648
Class times are as follows (first week free)
Strength & Conditioning – 6am – Tues/Thurs/Sat – $20per week
Māmā & Pēpi – 10am – Mon-Fri – $25per week
Tamariki (5yrs+) – 3:40pm – Tues/Wed/Thurs – $15per week
Girls Class (12yrs+) – 4.20pm – Mon-Fri – $20per week
Boys Class (12yrs+) – 5pm – Mon-Fri – $20per week
Ngā Whawhai (invitation only) – 6pm – Mon-Fri – $25per week
