Strengthening the Game: A Commitment to Inclusion and Growth

New Zealand Football has officially signed an agreement with Māori Football Aotearoa to advance inclusive initiatives and elevate Māori participation at all levels of the sport.

Solidifying a Partnership for the Future

Since 2008, Māori Football Aotearoa has been at the forefront of promoting Māori culture and inclusion in football. Their efforts focus on empowering communities and fostering participation in the game. This newly formalized agreement with New Zealand Football represents a commitment to furthering those shared goals, marking a significant step in the relationship between the two organizations.

According to both entities, the partnership will enable the delivery of impactful programs that honor Māori heritage while expanding opportunities within football nationwide.

Key Programs and Initiatives

The agreement outlines several pivotal initiatives designed to drive progress in Māori football:

• Supporting National and International Representation: Strengthening opportunities for Māori Football Aotearoa teams to participate in events globally.
• Organizational Growth: Enhancing the capacity and capability of Māori Football Aotearoa as a cornerstone of football development.
• Expanding the Kōtuitui Schools Programme: Originally developed as a legacy project from the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, the program aims to introduce football to new kura (schools) and inspire young Māori athletes.
• Advancing Women’s Football: Initiatives promoting Māori women’s involvement in playing, coaching, and leadership roles in the sport.

Voices from the Partnership

Hone Fowler, Board Member of Māori Football Aotearoa, emphasized the cultural and sporting significance of the agreement:

“The agreement we signed today is a milestone for Māori Football Aotearoa. It is built off years of grinding, community grassroots mahi, and engagement with indigenous groups overseas, all in the name of football.

“It’s a huge step forward for Māori Football Aotearoa and the game as a whole, as well as New Zealand Football.”

New Zealand Football CEO Andrew Pragnell echoed Fowler’s sentiments, highlighting the partnership’s potential:

“This is an important agreement which deepens the relationship between New Zealand Football and Māori Football Aotearoa at a time when football is exploding across the country.

“Over the past sixteen years, Māori Football Aotearoa have delivered incredible mahi, and we look forward to supporting and amplifying their efforts. This agreement strengthens our collaboration to benefit the game in Aotearoa New Zealand.”

A Shared Vision for Growth

This partnership between New Zealand Football and Māori Football Aotearoa is more than just an agreement—it’s a commitment to celebrating Māori culture and advancing football’s reach across Aotearoa. With collaboration at its heart, this milestone promises to inspire future generations of players, coaches, and leaders while fostering inclusivity and community engagement within the sport.