New Zealand Football have signed an agreement with Māori Football Aotearoa to enable both organisations to support one another and help deliver a wide range of programmes.

Since 2008, Māori Football Aotearoa have supported the growth of Māori in football, with initiatives aligned to their mission of inclusion and participation for Māori at all levels of the game. 

The two organisations have been working closely over the past few years, but this new agreement formalises the relationship and their commitment to one another to help grow Māori participation in football. 

Some of the programmes and initiatives include: 
 

• Supporting national and international activity for Māori Football Aotearoa teams
   
• Building the capability and capacity of Māori Football Aotearoa to continue to grow as an organisation 
   
• Support to deliver and expand the Kōtuitui schools programme, developed by Māori Football Aotearoa and New Zealand Football as a legacy initiative from the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, to new kura
   
• A range of initiatives in the women’s game supporting playing, coaching, and leadership roles

Māori Football Aotearoa Board Member Hone Fowler said:

“The agreement we signed today is a milestone for Māori Football Aotearoa. 

“It is built off years of grinding, of community grass roots mahi, as well as engagement with indigenous groups overseas, all in the name of football, celebrating our culture and who we are as Māori in the game of football here in Aotearoa. 

“So, we see it as a huge step forward for Māori Football Aotearoa and our game as a whole, as well as New Zealand Football.”

New Zealand Football CEO Andrew Pragnell said: 

“This is an important agreement which recognises the deepening of 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 some amazing work, and we look forward to ensuring New Zealand Football helps to support and amplify that mahi.

“We have already seen significant collaboration between both organisations, and this agreement will only further build those connections to benefit the game in Aotearoa New Zealand.”

Article added: Monday 16 December 2024