CHAPTER TWO

2011 | A VISION BEYOND THE RING

By 2011, Box Office Boxing had established a growing reputation within amateur boxing, producing national champions and athletes who were beginning to make their mark internationally.

However, as the club’s profile continued to grow, so too did the recognition that boxing could offer far more than competitive success. During this period, Box Office Boxing was approached by several organisations interested in working alongside the club to reach more at-risk young people through structured boxing programmes. These approaches highlighted an opportunity to use boxing as a tool for positive change, helping young people develop confidence, discipline, resilience and a sense of belonging.

At the time, Box Office Boxing was still a relatively small organisation, operating on a part-time basis from its original premises in Bell Block. While the club was eager to explore these opportunities, its limited facilities and operating hours made it difficult to meet the growing demand. It was becoming increasingly clear that if Box Office Boxing was to realise its potential, a significant change would be needed.

The idea of relocating to central New Plymouth and establishing a full-time boxing facility began to take shape. What initially seemed like an ambitious possibility would soon become the foundation for the club’s next major chapter.

2012 | TURNING AN IDEA INTO A PLAN

In 2012, Jake Rapira, together with committee member Mike Ekdahl, began exploring whether relocating Box Office Boxing to a larger, full-time facility was financially and practically achievable.

With assistance from Craig McFarlane, they undertook a feasibility study to examine the possibilities, challenges and requirements involved in such a significant move. The proposed relocation represented far more than simply finding a larger training space.

The vision was to create a facility capable of operating throughout the day, allowing Box Office Boxing to expand its existing amateur boxing programme while creating opportunities to work with schools, community organisations and young people who could benefit from structured physical activity and positive mentoring.

For an organisation that had begun only five years earlier in an old scout hall, the scale of the proposed development was considerable. Nevertheless, the belief in what Box Office Boxing could become continued to drive the project forward. The groundwork was being laid for a transformation that would fundamentally change the future of the club.

2013 | MAKING THE VISION A REALITY

By 2013, the relocation project had moved beyond an idea and was becoming a genuine possibility. A suitable venue had been identified beneath Supercheap Auto at 106 Leach Street, New Plymouth. Its location offered the opportunity to establish Box Office Boxing closer to the communities and organisations it hoped to serve, while providing the space needed to expand its activities.

However, securing the premises was only one part of the challenge. Turning the proposed facility into a functioning boxing gym would require substantial financial support. A significant turning point came when Cath Tippett was introduced to Box Office Boxing to assist with securing the funding needed to make the relocation possible. Working alongside the club’s committee, Cath played a pivotal role in developing the funding opportunities that would ultimately help bring the project to life.

Throughout 2013, the club worked towards securing the financial assistance required to establish its new home. With crucial funding support from the TSB Community Trust, now known as Toi Foundation, and the combined efforts of the people involved, the project was able to move forward.

After months of planning, preparation and determination, what had once seemed an ambitious dream was finally becoming reality. Six years after opening in Bell Block, Box Office Boxing was preparing to leave its original home and begin an entirely new era.