“They’re basing their decision on an Australian organisation that’s already had two shows this week, with another one coming up in June. And yet, they’ve cancelled us – the locals."
The Australian event Ngaluafe is referring to is the Runit Championship League, which held events at Trusts Arena on Monday and Wednesday where the nightly winners claimed $20,000 each.
The Herald understands a final is set to take place on June 11, with the winner to pocket $200,000.
The Herald attended Wednesday’s event, which saw two people knocked out while another slumped to the ground and appeared to have a seizure.
The Runit Championship League is the biggest of the three entities running similar events across Auckland over the next week, including Run it Straight and Up the Guts.
Run it Straight had two events at Williams Park in Māngere canned after organisers failed to secure a permit and a local board raised safety concerns.
“We’ve implemented our safety measures and rules based on these Australian organisations, but our rules and regulations are not the same,” said Ngaluafe.
“For example, we have half the running distance to minimise collision impact. Mouthguards, headgear and shoulder protection are compulsory here. We have on-field spotters, first aiders and medics on site. Participant safety is our number one priority.
“But not only that, our biggest goal is to raise awareness for mental health and suicide. Mental Health New Zealand stats show that Māori and Pasifika, especially our men, have the highest rates of suicide in this country, particularly our young males aged 15 to 24 years old.“
Stacey Mowbray, chief executive of Headway – a concussion and brain injury education charity, says she had been in touch with the venue numerous times so was pleased with the outcome.
Mowbray says while she applauds Up the Guts for wanting to raise awareness for mental health, it probably isn’t the right event for that.
“We commend their community goals, which are around youth suicide and mental health awareness, but that is counterproductive because we know that concussion is linked to increased rates of suicidal ideation and decreased mental wellness,” Mowbray told the Herald.
“We really encourage them supporting their community, but this isn’t how to do it.”
Mowbray says the videos of people getting knocked out is deeply disturbing and highlights the importance of why there needs to be more education around head trauma.
“We don’t just see a clash, we see the potential for a life derailed, a whānau devastated, and a future lost to preventable harm,” said Mowbray.
“This event highlights an urgent and growing need for more concussion education in our communities.
“Headway is working hard to educate our community so that those with the power can stop more of these dangerous events.”
Auckland Council and the stadium is being approached for comment.
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.
