Register
Apply: Administrator Vacancy

Ngā Whanapoikiri Kōtiro Pounamu open New Caledonia campaign 2026

Ngā Whanapoikiri Kōtiro Pounamu open New Caledonia campaign 2026

Ngā Whanapoikiri Kōtiro Pounamu officially opened their New Caledonia campaign on Saturday 10th October, gathering in Auckland with players, staff and supporters before departing for Nouméa.
Ngā Whanapoikiri Kōtiro Pounamu — New Caledonia 2026
Ngā Whanapoikiri Kōtiro Pounamu with staff following the official Pakau nga Āwhina o te Kereru presentation in Auckland.
The opening evening brought the travelling group together through mihi, karakia, poi, the Pounamu campaign purakau, and the presentation of the team’s taonga. For the players, the moment marked more than the beginning of an international football tour. It was an acknowledgement of the whānau, hapori and kaupapa they now carry.
The Pounamu group are traveling to New Caledonia from 11–18 October 2026, where they will play one warm-up match and two international fixtures, connect with local football communities and take part in cultural exchange opportunities.
For Taelor Pickering-Parker, Kaiwhakaako, the shirt ceremony was an important reminder of the responsibility that comes with representation.
“This group has earned the opportunity to step into an international environment, but the shirt also asks something of them. It asks them to be grounded, connected, brave and ready to learn. Pounamu is not just about football performance, it is about how our players carry themselves, their whānau and the kaupapa.”
Kaiwhakaako, Terry Boylan, said the campaign is an important step in helping the players understand the standards required in international football.
“For these players, New Caledonia is a chance to experience another level of preparation, travel, opposition and team responsibility. We want them to enjoy it, but also to understand what it means to prepare properly, compete with intent and grow from every part of the experience.”
Kaiwhakaako Ariana Gray feels the opening night helped settle the players and bring the group together before travel.
“The ceremony gave the girls a moment to pause and understand the journey they are stepping into. You could see the pride from the players and their whānau. Now the focus is on staying connected, looking out for each other and representing Pounamu with confidence.”
The Pakau nga Āwhina o te Kereru shirt carries the visual whakapapa of Maori Football Aotearoa, the Pounamu campaign identity and the responsibility of representation.
Māori Football Aotearoa also acknowledged the support of New Zealand Football, with senior leader Paula Hansen travelling alongside the delegation for the opening stage of the campaign.  “New Zealand Football acknowledges the importance of Māori Football Aotearoa creating meaningful representative opportunities for young players. This campaign is a strong example of football being used to support player development, cultural identity and positive international connection.”
For Māori Football Aotearoa, the campaign reflects the wider purpose of Pounamu: to create meaningful football environments where young wāhine can grow as players, people and representatives of their whānau.  The team departs for New Caledonia carrying a simple message:
Grounded enough to stay connected. Brave enough to express ourselves.

Article by Māori Football Aoteroa
Contact us for more information

More News