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• Dave Letele’s TV show highlights the obesity epidemic and the work of his BBM charity.
• Letele faces criticism affecting funding due to perceived political and community links.
• BBM’s programme delivers significant social benefits, but funding remains uncertain and precarious.

Community advocate Dave Letele – whose latest TV show screens on Thursday highlighting New Zealand’s obesity epidemic – is calling out key board warriors who have fired pot-shots at the work his BBM charity does.

Letele said some well-connected “bureaucrats” were questioning his political and community links, which could ultimately have detrimental funding implications.

One person wrote: “The reason why more agencies aren’t funding or looking to work with BBM or Dave is because they see him as radioactive. I’m a big believer in the mahi but everybody I encounter says that getting involved with Dave is too risky. His character and political associations make him unpredictable.”

Dave Letele at his peak weight was 210kg. Today he tips the scales at just over 100kg.

Letele told the Herald, that was not the only online comment directed at his organisation.

“I wear my heart on my sleeve, but those who are faceless – either behind keyboards, or murmuring quietly in the hallways – can create real issues. They can impact funding decisions, they can impact whether help is there for others.

“It’s important to call that out.”

This week’s Dave Letele’s Heavyweight: Tipping the Scales, delves into obesity, through the eyes of those on the comeback journey.

“It’s a topic I know all too well. I’ve lost 100kg myself, and, it was tough. And I see the impact of obesity every single day through the work we do at BBM.”

Letele said he would put the work of his team up against any organisation, especially around whānau change and government value for money.

“Our work speaks for itself,” he said.

Battle of the Bulge as James McDiarmid - who tipped the scales at 281kg and Dave Letele, 210kg, discuss obesity on TVNZ's Heavyweight: Tipping the Scales. Photo / Supplied

Letele’s community fitness programme is a 12-week exercise and lifestyle change programme called From the Couch (FTC) – a first step toward wellness for those who need it most. He runs three sessions a week: two gym-based workouts and one dedicated to nutrition education and practice.

“It’s saving lives. Its efficacy is proven. And yet, the future of our work remains uncertain,” he said.

“This isn’t Les Mills. This is for people who are fighting for their lives. Many of our participants can’t stand without assistance, can’t touch their toes, and aren’t sure if they’ll make it through a session. It’s not pretty. But something beautiful is happening here.

“Emphasis is on community, and creating a safe, judgment-free space where our people can reclaim their health. We don’t focus on body image; we focus on support, a community. We focus on getting through. Surviving.”

Dave Letele speaks with a Mongrel Mob member for Heavyweight with Dave Letele: Patched.

The Heavyweight with Dave Letele series was started, he said, as a platform for those who might not get the opportunity to have their voices heard. The two previous episodes were centred on alcohol addiction and gangs.

“I’m not a journalist or a TV presenter. I speak from lived experience. I have walked in these shoes,” he said.

“Obesity is especially important, to me at this time, because it also shines a light on the life-changing work BBM is doing – and why we do it.

“It’s a growing problem in New Zealand, especially for Māori and Pacific communities. The statistics are sobering.”

“And with an ageing population, the need for intervention is only going to increase. Yet, funding for community-led solutions like BBM remains piecemeal and precarious.

“I’ve been vocal about government support. Whoever is in power, – we’re still going to need the support.”

He said BBM receives $216,000 per year for FTEs, which ends this year, and a further $99,500 for a one-year diabetes programme from Pasifika health.

“That’s it. No multi-year, sustainable funding. No guarantee it will continue. And like many community organisations, we’re facing the very real possibility of cuts,” Letele said.

“We survive on the generosity and goodwill of philanthropic supporters and private sector.”

He said if the Government were to look at ROI – return on investment – then BBM would receive more funding.

“For every dollar invested in BBM, we deliver $13.50 of measurable social good, according to an Impact Lab 2020 report,” he said.

“That’s real return on investment. Fewer hospital visits, reduced diabetes rates, healthier families.

“Yet, instead of securing funding to scale and sustain our work, we’re forced to fight for every dollar, while the costs of inaction pile up.

Some social media posts have also questioned Letele’s connections to Te Pāti Māori and the National Party.

Heavyweight with Dave Letele – Tipping the Scales. Thursday, February 20, TVNZ 2 and TVNZ+.