The Logan Park High School pupil (17) will match his skills against the best in the world in Bangkok, Thailand, in November.
"I'm rapt," he said.
"I'm the only member of the team from the South Island."
Kickboxing is the family sport and Falanitule was introduced to it at a young age when his father was competing. His sister Runa (12) also competes.
"I like the sport," he said.
"You have to do the work yourself if you want to be competitive."
He trains hard, spending nine hours each week practising kickboxing, running and weight training.
Falanitule is confident and does not get nervous before big competitions.
"I grew up with kickboxing and started at a young age," he said. "I live and breathe the sport."
Kickboxing is a minor sport in Dunedin, where there are only 10 exponents. There are only about 100 competitors in New Zealand.
It is a no-holds-barred sport and points are gained by punching, kicking and making contact anywhere on an opponent's body with the knee and elbow.
Falanitule competes in the 81-86kg weight grade and has won four of his nine fights, lost three and drawn two.
His best performance was finishing runner-up at the New Zealand championships in Wellington last year.
He has major bouts in Christchurch next month and Auckland in October before he leaves for the world championships.
Falanitule is also a talented rugby player and plays No 8 in the Logan Park under-16 team.
"The school has been very supportive to me," he said.
"Everyone has encouraged me in my sport."
