who we are
The Naenae Youth Charitable Trust, a registered charity, was formed in late 2006 to govern and fund the activities of the Naenae Boxing Academy. A strategic youth facility, the Academy was established in Treadwell Street, Naenae in January 2006 by Billy Graham. The fulfilment of his life-long dream, the Academy operates to assist local youth through its programmes.
The main activities of the Academy are teaching youth life-skills through participation in and the discipline of boxing and physical fitness. The Academy has set high standards and aims to be a world-class youth facility, coaching life standards. The Academy teaches the scientific art of self-defence.
Billy, a former New Zealand and Australasian light welterweight boxing champion was inspired by his own experiences growing up in Naenae as a troubled youth. Having been significantly impacted from a young age by the mentorship of Dick Dunn, New Zealand’s legendary boxing coach, Billy founded the Academy with the strong desire to give back to his local community and make a difference in the lives of its young people.
The main activities of the Academy are teaching youth life-skills through participation in and the discipline of boxing and physical fitness. The Academy has set high standards and aims to be a world-class youth facility, coaching life standards. The Academy teaches the scientific art of self-defence.
Billy, a former New Zealand and Australasian light welterweight boxing champion was inspired by his own experiences growing up in Naenae as a troubled youth. Having been significantly impacted from a young age by the mentorship of Dick Dunn, New Zealand’s legendary boxing coach, Billy founded the Academy with the strong desire to give back to his local community and make a difference in the lives of its young people.
Who we work with
The Academy is open to all youth from the age of nine years through to 18 years. Female classes commenced in July 2017. Participation is not determined by background or culture but rather by the young people’s willingness to adhere to rules and standards.
At the beginning of our 2018 year 84.8% of attendees were from Lower Hutt, 11.4% from Upper Hutt, 3.8% from Wellington/Wairarapa.
Our youth identify as NZ European 42.4%, Maori 36.4%, Pacific Island 12.0% and Other (European, African, Asian, Chinese, Japanese) 8.28%.
At the beginning of our 2018 year 84.8% of attendees were from Lower Hutt, 11.4% from Upper Hutt, 3.8% from Wellington/Wairarapa.
Our youth identify as NZ European 42.4%, Maori 36.4%, Pacific Island 12.0% and Other (European, African, Asian, Chinese, Japanese) 8.28%.
our programmes
Billy is ably assisted by seven coaches. These are Graham Clifford; boxing champion and national referee, Nopera Hauwaho (who was our trainee coach intern for 2017), Daniel Collins (our trainee coach intern for 2018), Blake Parata, Susanna Graham, plus David Graham and Sinead Ward – who assist as required.
The methods used by the Academy’s programmes are general fitness training, boxing, self-defense, table tennis and group games. We network with Police, Royal NZ Police College, Outward Bound, Rotary, Hutt City Council, Vodafone NZ Foundation, VIBE, Capital Training and other youth network providers in the Hutt Valley. During the time the Trust has been operating there has been a steady number of referrals for youth from:
Each member must abide by the following standards:
In addition to boxing skills our young people are taught the following life-skills:
The methods used by the Academy’s programmes are general fitness training, boxing, self-defense, table tennis and group games. We network with Police, Royal NZ Police College, Outward Bound, Rotary, Hutt City Council, Vodafone NZ Foundation, VIBE, Capital Training and other youth network providers in the Hutt Valley. During the time the Trust has been operating there has been a steady number of referrals for youth from:
- Schools
- Police
- Youth Justice
- Oranga Tamariki
Each member must abide by the following standards:
- No swearing
- No hats or beanies
- No phones or iPods during training
- No alcohol or drugs – illegal, party or performance enhancing drugs
In addition to boxing skills our young people are taught the following life-skills:
- Integrity
- Humour
- Self-respect
- Discipline
- Respect for others
- Good citizenship
- Caring
- Communication skills
- Truthfulness and honesty
- Empathy and compassion