Building a Lasting Legacy: New Zealand Football Launches $8.4M Fund to Empower Women’s Game

TE WHANGANUI-A-TARA | WELLINGTON — A landmark moment in the future of football unfolded today as New Zealand Football hosted its 2025 Annual Congress in the capital, delivering a wave of progressive developments, headlined by the launch of the $8.4 million FIFA Legacy Fund—a historic investment set to reshape the landscape for women’s and girls’ football across the country.

The fund, awarded by FIFA in the wake of Aotearoa’s successful co-hosting of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, will be strategically invested to ensure sustainable, long-term growth of the women’s game through grassroots and federation-led initiatives from 2026 onward.

“This is a substantial investment that will continue to fuel the momentum we’ve built,” said Andrew Pragnell, CEO of New Zealand Football. “We’ve already seen a 27% surge in female participation since the World Cup, and this Legacy Fund ensures we don’t just celebrate progress—but build on it.”

The fund will operate under the guiding framework of ‘Aotearoa United: Legacy Starts Now’, maintaining the spirit of the global tournament while focusing on culturally inclusive and community-driven initiatives.

A Commitment to Te Tiriti and Cultural Recognition

In a significant constitutional shift, members of the Congress voted to amend the New Zealand Football Statutes, formally acknowledging Te Tiriti o Waitangi and He Whakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tīreni as the founding documents of the nation.

This amendment represents a landmark step in aligning football governance with the principles of Te Ao Māori. It signals New Zealand Football’s commitment to fostering authentic relationships with Tangata Whenua and upholding the mana of Māori Football Aotearoa as a national sporting body.

A second statute amendment brings the organization into compliance with the Incorporated Societies Act 2022, ensuring alignment with legal and governance best practices.

Honouring a Pioneer: Barbara Cox MBE

The Congress also paid tribute to Barbara Cox MBE, a founding member of the Football Ferns and a trailblazer for women’s football, who was inducted as a New Zealand Football Life Member. Cox’s contribution as a player, coach, and administrator spans more than 60 years and continues to inspire future generations of wāhine in football.

Executive Committee: New Voices and Familiar Leaders

The Congress also saw Richard Kerr-Bell re-elected to the Executive Committee, alongside newcomer Cheri-Lee Atkinson, who replaces the outgoing Rakesh Naidoo MNZM.

Atkinson, a Senior Legal Advisor for Waikato Tainui and former WaiBOP Football Director, brings strong governance experience and cultural insight to the boardroom.

“We’re entering an incredibly exciting chapter for the sport,” said Dr Johanna Wood CNZM, President of New Zealand Football. “Cheri-Lee’s appointment adds valuable expertise to an already capable Executive Committee, and we thank Rakesh for his outstanding service.”

Annual Report: Navigating a Strategic Shift

The 2024 Annual Report revealed a net operating deficit of $4.22 million, a planned financial outcome reflecting the start of the new men’s FIFA World Cup cycle and the post-Women’s World Cup transition. Despite a 17% decrease in total revenue, the organization remains focused on long-term investments in infrastructure and participation growth.

From legacy-building investments to cultural recognition and governance reforms, the 2025 New Zealand Football Congress has laid a strategic foundation for the future of the game in Aotearoa.

📌 Quick Recap:

• 💰 $8.4M FIFA Legacy Fund to support girls’ and women’s football

• 📜 Statute changes honour Te Tiriti and He Whakaputanga

• 🏅 Barbara Cox MBE awarded NZF Life Membership

• 🔄 Cheri-Lee Atkinson joins Executive Committee

• 📉 Planned financial deficit amid new World Cup cycle