PRESS RELEASE – For Immediate Release

National Local Heroes fight for troubled youth

Kiwibank Local Hero of the Year 2012, Henare O’Keefe from Flaxmere in Hastings and 2011 Local Hero of the Year, Billy Graham of Naenae in Wellington have joined forces to further help troubled youth.

On Monday, 5th March, Henare and a delegation from Hastings including Mayor & President of Local Government New Zealand, Lawrence Yule and ex New Zealand Boxing Champion & social change advocate, Craig McDougall will be observing Billy and his team in action at the Naenae Boxing Academy, understanding how boxing can be used as a possible vehicle to affect change.

Henare O’Keefe well known in the Flaxmere community for his dedication to addressing youth issues and family violence prevention is in the process of setting up the Flaxmere Boxing Academy, as a way of helping to address issues pertaining to our youth.

Recently Billy Graham was appointed as Patron of Wing 269 at the Royal New Zealand Police College which has seen recruits training with the boys at the Naenae Boxing Academy and has also seen the youths visit the College. The Naenae Boxing Academy was established as a charitable trust by Billy and his wife Kerri to turn young boys into healthy young men by introducing them to discipline, respect and motivation with exceptional results.

The Local Hero title is part of the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards, held in Auckland in February.
Ends.

© Scoop Media