PAPAKURA, Tāmaki Makaurau – When Māori Football Aotearoa (MFA) gathered for the North v South clash, the focus was not only on football and culture, but also on wellbeing.
This year, a new partner stepped onto the field with MFA. Emergency Consult, a 24/7 telehealth service led by experienced emergency doctors and nurses, will align with MFA to ensure players and staff have immediate access to urgent virtual care throughout the event.
On the Ground at North v South
The collaboration means that if a player became ill or unwell in camp or required urgent medical advice, they could connect instantly with Emergency Consult on the ground removing the need for long waits at overstretched clinics or hospitals. For MFA, this was more than convenience; it was about safeguarding the hauora (health and wellbeing) of its athletes while keeping them focused on the kaupapa of the game.
Shared Values and Long-Term Vision
The partnership was born from shared principles: accessibility, equity, and care. Both MFA and Emergency Consult recognised that football is not only about performance but also about community resilience. By piloting this model at NvS, the organisations created a case study for how telehealth can support Māori athletes and communities in ways that are culturally aligned and practically effective.
Building the Framework
Following a hui, MFA and Emergency Consult have agreed to co-design a one-page Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This document will formalise the partnership, echoing similar processes MFA has used with other partners around the world.
“We’re very excited to be forming a partnership with Emergency Consult with North v South the first step in our relationship.
“This shows that MFA is serious about the health and well-being of our people and Emergency Consult are the type of partner that demonstrates how serious we are about this kaupapa,” MFA’s Hone Fowler said.
An Emergency Consult spokesperson Praneesh Prasad added: “This was an exciting opportunity for us to be on the ground at an MFA event and North v South was the perfect way to feel our way through the practical side of our relationship. We’re looking forward to formalising our mahi with MFA very soon.”
Looking Ahead
Beyond North v South, the partnership points to a future where Māori Football and Emergency Consult work together to extend urgent virtual care across Aotearoa.
Whether supporting players at international tournaments, providing services to whānau in rural areas, or contributing to national health initiatives, the collaboration is designed to grow sustainably.
It reflects MFA’s commitment to governance and legacy, and Emergency Consult’s mission to deliver fast, safe, and convenient healthcare wherever people are.
With Emergency Consult by their side, Māori Football Aotearoa is not only protecting its players but also setting a precedent for how sport and health can walk together into the future.
Ends
To find out more about Emergency Consult please visit these links:
Website: www.emergencyconsult.co.nz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emergencyonsultnz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emergencyconsultnz
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/emergencyconsult
