MOUNT ROSKILL, Tāmaki Makaurau – In a powerful homecoming that blended pride, whakapapa, and inspiration, Māori footballer Adam Kanui Bell returned to Mt Roskill to speak at the annual Māori graduation ceremony.
The event that celebrates the achievements of Māori students across the Mt Roskill campus was attended by hundreds of school students, whanau and staff.
For Bell, a former student of both Mt Roskill Intermediate and Mt Roskill Grammar School, the moment was deeply personal.
“A couple of years ago I walked these same halls,” he told the crowd. “Now I’m back, not as a student, but as someone who hopes to inspire.”
A Ceremony Rooted in Whānau and Legacy
Mt Roskill’s Māori graduation is a unique celebration of student success, honouring excellence in Te Reo Māori, Kapa Haka, academic achievement, and resilience. It marks a rite of passage for tamariki and rangatahi, acknowledging their journey through kura and into the next stage of life.
This year’s ceremony was made even more special by Bell’s presence, not just as a guest, but as a role model. His story, grounded in whānau, community, and cultural identity, resonated deeply with students and whānau alike.
From Backfield to Benfica: A Māori Footballer’s Rise
Bell’s footballing journey began at age six, nurtured by his mother Heidi, a teacher at Wesley Primary, and his father Philip, known to many as DJ Sirvere. Their unwavering support helped shape his philosophy:
“If you’re passionate about something—whether it’s sport, academics, or the arts—give it the same energy as the love you have for it.”
That mindset carried Bell from Mt Roskill’s central zone team to international competition.
In 2025, he made history as the first Māori footballer to appear in the expanded version of the FIFA Club World Cup format, facing global stars like Ángel Di María.
“I remember lining up against him,” Bell said. “And instead of nerves, I flashed back to being seven years old, playing FIFA on the couch with my brothers.”
A Return with Purpose
Bell described his return to Mt Roskill as “very nostalgic,” recalling his own graduation ceremony years earlier. His message to students was clear: pursue what you love, and do it with mana.
“I’m still young,” he said with humility, “but I think I’ve got something to say.”
His kōrero was a reminder that Māori identity and sporting ambition are not mutually exclusive—they can be powerful allies.
“I was once in the audience. Now I’m here to give back. That’s the full circle.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
Bell closed his speech with a quote from Tim Grover, coach to Michael Jordan:
“If you think the cost of achieving your goals is too high, just wait until you get the bill from regret.”
For the graduating students of Mt Roskill, his words were more than motivational—they were a challenge to dream boldly, act with integrity, and carry their culture with pride.
As Bell continues his journey toward professional football, he remains grounded in his whakapapa and committed to uplifting others.
“If I can inspire even one person,” he said, “then I’ve done my job.”
Ends
Photo Credit: Māori Football Aotearoa Media
Photo Credit: Phototek NZ
Story Credit: Attila Mosonyi
