Latu (centre) with Billy Graham, right, and Mayor Nick Leggett, left.

Latu (centre) with Billy Graham, right, and Mayor Nick Leggett, left.

Latu Talu, Head Trainer at Cannons Creek Boxing Academy was awarded Migrant of the Year by the New Zealand Association for Migration and Investment at a black tie ceremony in Auckland. He was presented with his award by Minister of State Services Paula Bennett.

The NZAMI Awards recognise the major contribution of migrants and professionals involved in the immigration industry. Association chairwoman June Ranson said the award recognised a migrant whose personal efforts and achievements made them exceptional.

Latu, 24, took up boxing at Naenae Boxing Academy in 2006 and soon became a success under the guidance of Billy Graham, a former New Zealand and Australasian light welterweight boxing champion.

Billy’s work in Naenae, teaching young boys life-skills through the discipline of boxing and physical fitness, has been an overwhelming success. It inspired the establishment of Cannons Creek Boxing Academy a year ago, to expand the work to help more boys in Wellington.

Latu  took on the role of head trainer when the academy opened. Since then he has done a great job inspiring and encouraging 30 young boys, age 11-13 years, to become healthy, well rounded, champion men.

Read more about Latu’s award here.