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TE RUNANGANUI O NGATI POROU
Karma Rickard-Mauheni, a 17-year old student at Ngata Memorial College is on a mission to establish a gym that serves rangatahi and the broader community. Recognising an increasing enthusiasm for fitness among young people, Karma envisions a space that not only enhances physical health but also supports mental well-being, boosts self-confidence, and fosters community engagement.
“I am working to create positive changes in our community by providing opportunities for rangatahi. Just because we are in a rural and isolated area doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have equal access to gyms and resources that promote our physical and mental well-being.”
A PLACE TO GROW STRONGER AND MORE RESILIENT
This proposed gym aims to be a fully equipped facility accessible to everyone, with a special focus on creating a safe and encouraging environment for rangatahi. By eliminating financial barriers through free access, the initiative strives to help young individuals cultivate healthy habits and forge positive relationships with their peers. It promises to be a place where youth can gather to develop strength, discipline, and resilience.
From Te Whanau a Takimoana and Te Aowera, Karma emphasises the value of staying connected as Ngati Porou communities and the importance of whanau working together. This sense of unity serves as the primary inspiration for the name of the community facility, Te Hononga Manawa.
A PATHWAY TO HAUORA AND FUTURE CAREERS
As an accomplished sportsperson, staying healthy and active are essential to Karma, who has proudly represented her kura in Kio Rahi, rugby sevens, and netball. She rates playing rugby and basketball for her iwi, right up there. Despite her youth, she has also embraced coaching and management roles for her iwi representative teams, including managing the Ngati Porou East Coast (NPEC) U18 girls’ rugby team, playing for the NPEC U16 girls’ rugby team, and assisting in coaching the NPEC U12 basketball team.
Karma’s initiative highlights the significance of community engagement and the transformative effect that a committed fitness space can have on the lives of rangatahi. She had an incredible response to her online survey, with unanimous backing for the initiative. Beyond hauora benefits, Karma sees the future of the gym transforming into an environment where individuals can not only train but also gain career pathways to become certified gym instructors, personal trainers, or explore a career in Sports Science. “From here I want to find a section at our community hub (the old Ruatoria bowling green) where we can put our gym. I also need to obtain building consent from the council before starting any type of work and most importantly find funding”.
HOW TO SUPPORT TE MANAWA HONONGA
Karma is looking for financial investment from funders and business mentoring support, if your organisation is serious about supporting her kaupapa and the health of Ngati Porou kei te kainga, reach out to her by email:
