Aotearoa Football Charitable Trust / Māori Football Aotearoa is proud to officially announce the Ngā Whānapoikiri Kōtiro Pounamu – New Caledonia International Campaign 2026.
From 11–18 October 2026, our U16 wahine representative team will travel to Nouméa, New Caledonia / Kanaky, for an eight-day international football campaign grounded in performance, identity, and cultural connection.
This is not a development tour. It is an international representation environment where our players will be challenged to compete, adapt, and express who they are under the pressure of international football.
A Navigation of Discovery Our journey to Kanaky represents more than fixtures and travel. It is a return into relationship.
The ocean does not make Māori and Kanak the same people. It connects distinct Indigenous peoples through older routes of movement, memory, exchange, and survival. Māori and Kanak stand as separate peoples, each shaped by our own lands, ancestors, languages, and histories, yet connected through the deeper Oceanic story of voyaging, relationship, and cultural endurance.
This campaign carries that understanding with care. The ocean connects us. The land defines us. Football brings us together.
Official 2026 Pounamu Squad Following final selections and roster adjustments, Head Coach Taelor Parker has confirmed the travelling squad for the Ngā Whānapoikiri Kōtiro Pounamu – New Caledonia International Campaign 2026.
We proudly acknowledge the wahine selected to represent their whānau, iwi, Māori Football Aotearoa, and Aotearoa on the international stage:
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Sabine Bryce – Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Irakehu
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Ruby Coffey-Duffin – Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa
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Molly Davies – Ngāti Wai, Ngāpuhi
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Anahera Easton – Ngāti Wehi Wehi
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Asia Hunter – Ngāti Wairiki, Ngāti Apa, Ngāti Tama Kopiri, Ngāti Whiti Kaupeka, Ngāti Tūwharetoa
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Keira Hynes – Ngāti Kahungunu
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Jade Jamieson – Muaūpoko, Te Āti Awa ki Taranaki, Ngāti Ruanui
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Samantha Klee – Ngāti Tūwharetoa
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Fern McBride – Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Mutunga
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Mischa Moana Myers – Ngāi Tahu
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Kori-Lee Rangihuna-Vliestra – Ngāti Porou, Te Whānau a Hinerupe, Te Whānau a Tūwhakairiora
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Rosa Redfern – Ngāi Tahu
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Belle Ririnui – Ngāi Te Rangi
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Rewa Ririnui – Ngāi Te Rangi
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Elliott Smith – Tainui
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Sasha Wilson – Ngāpuhi
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Jade Wood – Ngāi Tahu
Management Team The squad will be supported by a staff group responsible for football performance, player welfare, cultural care, and campaign delivery:
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Head of Delegation: Kylie Pohio
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Head Coach: Taelor Parker
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Assistant Coach: Terry Boylan
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Goalkeeping Coach: Ariana Gray
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Team Manager: Tom Pohio
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Media Officer: Teaki Heimuli
Māori Tū, Māori Ora!
