Former IBO World Champion boxer and survivor

Overview

Mea "The NightMea" Motu (Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi) is one of New Zealand's most powerful sporting stories — a former IBO World Super Bantamweight Champion, five-time NZ champion across four different weight divisions (more than any other female Kiwi boxer ever), and a survivor of years of domestic violence. Today she is also a sought-after keynote speaker and proud ambassador for Mike King's I Am Hope, sharing her story to help others find courage and hope.

Who is Mea Motu? Born 30 December 1989 in Pukepoto, Te Tai Tokerau, Mea grew up riding horses, milking cows and running barefoot before discovering boxing at 13. After years escaping an abusive relationship — including periods of homelessness while protecting her five children — she turned professional in 2020 and rapidly became one of the most decorated female boxers NZ has ever produced. She is the second Māori woman ever to hold a world boxing title, and currently the WBA Oceania Super Featherweight Champion ranked #2 in the world.

Career Highlights • Former IBO World Super Bantamweight Champion (2023, defended twice) • Five-time NZ champion in four weight divisions — the most by any female Kiwi boxer • Current WBA Oceania Super Featherweight Champion, ranked #2 in the world • 2023 ACC Individual Māori World Champion at Te Tohu Tākaro o Aotearoa Māori Sports Awards • I Am Hope ambassador, mental health advocate • Professional record 24-1 (11 KOs)

Key Speaking Themes • Resilience and courage after domestic violence • Mental health and the power of speaking up • Motherhood, faith and purpose • Identity, mana and being unapologetically you • Pushing through the uncomfortable

What Your Audience Will Gain Mea is brave, funny and disarmingly honest. Audiences leave moved by her story, inspired by her strength and clear-eyed about what real resilience looks like — and the difference one person speaking up can make.

Ideal For • Mental health and wellbeing events • Women in business and women in sport forums • Schools, rangatahi and Māori and Pasifika audiences • Awards nights and gala dinners • Sport, community and Te Ao Māori events

Frequently Asked Questions...

What does Mea Motu speak about? Resilience, courage, mental health, surviving abuse, motherhood, faith and the power of choosing yourself.

What world title did Mea Motu win? The IBO World Super Bantamweight title in April 2023 — making her the second Māori woman ever to hold a world boxing title.

What is Mea Motu's professional record? 24 wins, 1 loss, with 11 knockouts.

Is Mea Motu still fighting? Yes. After losing her IBO title to Ellie Scotney in the UK in January 2025, Mea moved up two weight divisions and is now the WBA Oceania Super Featherweight Champion, ranked #2 in the world.

Why is Mea Motu an I Am Hope ambassador? Mea shares her story of surviving domestic violence and rebuilding her life to inspire courage and help reduce stigma around mental health, particularly for tamariki and rangatahi.

Is Mea Motu available for keynotes and panels? Yes. Mea is a nationally recognised keynote speaker who has spoken for FIFA, Barfoot & Thompson, the Chiefs and the Black Ferns, among many others.