The Aotearoa New Zealand International Boxing Association has been granted provisional membership following a decision by the Board of Directors in Lausanne, Switzerland. This initiative expands and strengthens IBA's presence in Oceania. 

Work to develop the talent of young local boxers will resume with the reinstatement of New Zealand. Meeting the requirements for IBA membership means working towards upholding previously agreed standards. It is expected that a greater exchange of knowledge, resources and expertise between New Zealand and other member nations of the Association will be facilitated by this provisional membership, which will provide New Zealand boxers with the opportunity to take part in IBA events and development programmes.

IBA General Secretary and CEO Chris Roberts OBE said: "In keeping with our broader vision of strengthening boxing across all continents, the addition of the Aotearoa New Zealand International Boxing Association is a great step forward. Oceania has strong boxers and successful coaches. We are committed to supporting their growth and development and ensuring that every nation has the opportunity to excel."

With the arrival of this new federation in the Oceanic country, the IBA is reinstating its support in New Zealand. This follows the departure of Boxing New Zealand in July 2023. At that time, New Zealand officials decided to leave the international structure following the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) decision to withdraw Olympic recognition from the IBA.

The Aotearoa New Zealand International Boxing Association's arrival this week coincides with the Indian Boxing Federation's unexpected and sudden departure from the IBA after decades within. Despite this, the IBA's roadmap is to expand worldwide as much as possible to reach all corners, Roberts recently detailed.

The IBA is looking to expand globally. Once governance is assured through pre-agreed standards and ethical compliance, membership applications will be considered. Just as the Aotearoa New Zealand International Boxing Association is now joining, last month the Gibraltar Boxing Association also supported in its desire to expand.

The new federation will be busy, as the OCBC Youth & Junior Oceania Boxing Championships will take place in Tahiti from 1-7 July 2024. It will be the first event for the newly formed national federation and the debuting event in partnership with IBA, whch is providing financial support for the championships with $100,000 USD (£91,745) as part of its Financial Support Programme (FSP).