Waikato farmers punching for LandSAR charity

Te Kawa West Young Farmer Lucy Moss (right) and Franklin Young Farmer Lisa Kendall.

A charity boxing event in Cambridge has raised $10,000 for Land Search and Rescue New Zealand (LandSAR).

For the fifth biennial Fight Night 20 NZ Young Farmers members climbed into the ring for a good cause on Saturday.

Boxers clashed in front of a crowd of 360 people at the Sir Don Rowlands Centre.

"We ask each boxer to raise $300 in sponsorship. The rest of the income is generated through ticket sales," said co-organiser Courtney Goodare.

"It's fantastic that we will be donating $10,000 to LandSAR to help it buy equipment for volunteers."

LandSAR is a national organisation providing land search and rescue services to people who are lost, missing or injured.

"It does extremely important work," he said.

The first Fight Night was held in 2012.

Since then the event has fundraised for the Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter, St John Ambulance and the Rural Support Trust.

NZ Young Farmers members spend months preparing for the high-intensity fights.
"Most participants train in a proper boxing gym two to three times a week from January until the big night," said Courtney.

Olivia Jordan was named the most scientific boxer. Lisa Kendall and Lucy Moss won the award for most entertaining fight.

Spectators sporting giant elbow-high boxing gloves also went up against each other in minute-long bouts.

"It's a bit of fun watching people trying to pummel each other while wearing giant, goofy gloves," he said.

Planning is already underway for the next Fight Night in 2020.

"We're looking for a bigger venue. We want to be able to cater for up to 600 people."