A violence-prevention programme is helping rangatahi (youth) across south Auckland build the confidence, resilience and leadership skills to make positive choices.
Supported by the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu and Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Boards, 1Punch2Much (1P2M) works with young people before problems escalate, connecting them with positive role models, practical support and opportunities to lead.
Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board chair Kaea Walter Inoke-Togiamua says early support can make a lasting difference.
“Giving young people the right support at the right time can change the direction of their lives. That’s what 1P2M is all about — surrounding rangatahi with positive role models and practical opportunities to build confidence, resilience and leadership skills they can carry well beyond the programme.”
Developed with Walk Without Fear Trust and One Eighty Turn Charitable Trust, 1P2M brings together schools, Police, youth organisations and community leaders to help young people strengthen their decision-making and create positive pathways inside and outside the classroom.
Following successful pilot programmes that reached more than 600 students, this year’s programme continued with in-school workshops, a two-day Young Leaders Programme at renowned MMA gym City Kickboxing, and a four-day residential leadership camp at Āwhitu Youth Camp.
Students from six local secondary schools took part in practical sessions focused on staying calm under pressure, conflict de-escalation, teamwork, leadership and developing self-belief through challenge.
Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia says, “There is a Samoan proverb: E fofo le alamea le alamea. If you stand on the poisonous Crown-of-Thorns starfish, flip it on its back and stand it to suck the poison out. This proverb explains that we, as a community, have our own solutions to our own problems. This programme brings our tupulaga or youth, together with role-models and local leaders who look like them, speak like them, come from the same communities, and lived experiences. I pray our youth know their worth and that the best is yet to come - make the best choices!”
Students from Māngere College, De La Salle College and Southern Cross Campus highlighted the importance of a collective community approach to addressing youth conflict. They shared that stopping bullying and violence in schools and helping young people navigate challenging situations, especially around fighting are essential steps towards building confidence and emotional control.
A student representative says, “For us, it’s about learning how to manage ourselves, understanding the consequences of conflict and violence, and keeping the peace.”
Beyond the programme itself, regular meetings between secondary school principals and deputy principals create space to share insights, strengthen relationships and work together to improve school safety and support young people.
1P2M is about more than preventing violence. It is about unlocking potential, strengthening connections and supporting rangatahi to become leaders who create safer, more connected communities. By investing in young people today, we are helping shape a stronger future for South Auckland.
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