New Zealand Football have today (10 April 2025) held their Annual Congress in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington, which saw a number of key announcements made about the game, as well as updates to the Executive Committee and the publishing of the Annual Report 2024. 


FIFA Legacy Fund

It has been announced today that a fund has been established, with $8.4 million received from FIFA following co-hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, to develop the game for girls’ and women in Aotearoa. 

The FIFA Legacy Fund will see the funds invested in a managed portfolio, ensuring sustainable support for girls’ and women’s football initiatives, delivered through federations from 2026 onwards, to maintain momentum in the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 legacy plan, Aotearoa United: Legacy Starts Now. 

“This is a substantial investment that helps the football system in New Zealand continue to grow the game for girls’ and women for the foreseeable future” says Andrew Pragnell, CEO at New Zealand Football. 

“We have already seen fantastic growth for girls’ and women, with a 27% increase in participation from before the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 to now, but this is a long-term project where we want to continually be supporting the game, and this investment helps us continue to drive towards that.”


New Zealand Football Statute Changes

Following a vote by members, two changes to the New Zealand Football Statutes were confirmed at the Annual Congress which will be incorporated immediately. 

The first amendment sees New Zealand Football acknowledge te Tiriti o Waitangi and He Whakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tīreni (the Declaration of Independence) as the founding documents of Aotearoa New Zealand.

The amendment outlines a commitment from New Zealand Football to uphold the mana of the documents, and to promote understanding, cultural competency and knowledge around Te Ao Māori through developing and maintaining meaningful relationships and partnership with Tangata Whenua.

In addition, New Zealand Football honours the mana of Māori Football Aotearoa as a Māori national sporting organisation. 

The second amendment sees New Zealand Football update its statues to meet compliance with the Incorporated Societies Act 2022, as well as other minor changes. 


Life Membership – Barbara Cox MBE

Annual Congress saw women’s football trailblazer, and one of the first ever Football Ferns, Barbara Cox MBE, confirmed as a New Zealand Football Life Member. 

Barbara has provided significant leadership on and off the field for football in New Zealand as a player, coach, and administrator for six decades, leaving a significant legacy. 

New Zealand Football wishes to acknowledge the immense contributions of Barbara Cox to the game in Aotearoa.


Executive Committee 

Annual Congress saw voting take place for two positions on the New Zealand Football Executive Committee.

Richard Kerr-Bell was reelected to serve another term on the Executive Committee. 

Cheri-Lee Atkinson was elected to join the Executive Committee, replacing the outgoing Rakesh Naidoo MNZM who had reached the end of his term. 

Atkinson is a former Director at WaiBOP football and current Senior Legal Advisor for Waikato Tainui. 

New Zealand Football President Dr Johanna Wood CNZM said:

“I want to congratulate Cheri-Lee and Richard on their election and reelection to the Executive Committee and recognise the major contribution of Rakesh during his time with the board. 

“This is a hugely exciting time for the game, and I know the Executive Committee are looking forward to welcoming Cheri-Lee as we continue to support and nurture the biggest team sport in Aotearoa New Zealand.” 


Annual Report and Financial Information

New Zealand Football reported a net operating deficit of $4.22m ($-4.5m budget), a planned shift from the $1.83 million surplus in 2023. 

This was driven by a 17% decrease in total revenue due in part by the cyclical nature of football funding with the start of the men's FIFA World Cup cycle in 2024, as well as the increase in 2023 due to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023. 

Read the New Zealand Football Annual Report 2024

Article added: Thursday 10 April 2025