A Pōwhiri That Unites Past, Present, and Future

It is an opportunity to acknowledge history, celebrate cultural values, and strengthen relationships that extend beyond football.

As the club prepares to embark on its FIFA Club World Cup campaign, this pōwhiri serves as a meaningful bridge between the team, the indigenous people of Tāmaki Makaurau, and the wider community that supports them.

Cultural and Historical Acknowledgement
Ngāti Whātua are the tangata whenua (people of the land) of central Auckland, with a history that stretches back centuries before the establishment of the city.

Their mana whenua status is a legacy of guardianship and leadership that has endured through times of prosperity and hardship, from early engagements with European settlers to the injustices of land alienation and urban expansion.

The ability to stand on Ngāti Whātua land today, to play football on the fields of Auckland, is a privilege made possible by their historical presence, resilience, and contributions to the city’s foundations.

For Auckland City FC, this pōwhiri is not just a ritual—it is an act of respect, recognition, and reciprocity.

It acknowledges the indigenous people of the region while reaffirming that football, like all aspects of modern life, exists within a wider historical and cultural framework.

Through this welcome, the club is paying homage to the hosts of the land on which the city was built and recognising the importance of tangata whenua in shaping the city’s past, present, and future.

Alignment in Relational Values
Ngāti Whātua’s values—whanaungatanga (relationships), manaakitanga (hospitality), and kaitiakitanga (guardianship)—resonate deeply with Auckland City FC’s own approach to football.

The club has always sought to foster strong community relationships, whether through local engagement, charitable initiatives, or Pacific-wide outreach.

Football is not just a game; it is a vehicle for connection, shared identity, and mutual support, all values that align closely with Māori cultural principles.

By accepting this pōwhiri, Auckland City FC is reinforcing its commitment to relational governance—a concept deeply embedded in Kaupapa Māori thinking, where success is measured not just by individual achievement but by the strength of relationships and collective upliftment.

The pōwhiri is a reminder that while the team competes on a global stage, its foundation remains rooted in the local community and the relationships it fosters.

Auckland City FC’s Multicultural Identity and Community Engagement
While the club’s history is deeply intertwined with Auckland’s Croatian community—many of whom hail from Dalmatia—the club has evolved into a truly multicultural organisation.

Its players, staff, and supporters come from all corners of the globe, reflecting Auckland’s diversity and the global nature of football itself.

The pōwhiri acknowledges not only the indigenous heritage of Aotearoa but also the spirit of inclusivity that has shaped Auckland City FC’s identity.

Over the years, the club has actively engaged in community-driven initiatives both within New Zealand and across the Pacific:

Hawke’s Bay Disaster Relief – Auckland City FC played a role in supporting those affected by the devastation of Cyclone Gabrielle, recognising the importance of football as a unifying force in times of hardship through donations of junior and senior kit with Napier City Rovers and in collaboration with Wellington Olympic.

Hosting Hawai’i Football – The club has extended hospitality to international teams, strengthening football’s ties across the Pacific.

Hosting New Caledonia veterans Football – The club hosted manuhiri at Kiwitea Street from New Caledonia veterans football in a day of shared culture and football at our clubrooms.

Vanuatu Kit Exchanges & Butterfly Trust Support – The club has donated essential football gear to developing football nations, ensuring that young players in Vanuatu and beyond have access to resources that foster participation and growth.

Solomon Islands & Fiji Kit Donations – Auckland City FC has regularly provided kits and equipment to schools and grassroots football initiatives in the Solomon Islands and Fiji, reinforcing its commitment to empowerment through sport.

ANZAC Day Commemorations – The club has participated in commemorations across the world, paying tribute to those who served and sacrificed, recognising that football exists within a much broader social and historical context.

A Legacy Beyond Football
As Auckland City FC prepares for the FIFA Club World Cup, the pōwhiri at Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei is a grounding moment—a reminder of the club’s roots, values, and responsibilities beyond the pitch. It signifies a commitment to honouring the past while embracing the future, ensuring that the club’s success is measured not just in trophies, but in the strength of the relationships it builds along the way.

In standing on Ngāti Whātua whenua, Auckland City FC acknowledges that it is not just representing itself at the FIFA Club World Cup—it is representing Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa, and the many communities that have shaped its journey. The pōwhiri is a moment of unity, a powerful statement that football is more than a game—it is a shared story, a shared responsibility, and a shared future.

Additional Information

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ will be broadcast globally on DAZN, bringing unprecedented exposure for both the club and New Zealand football. Fans around the world will have the opportunity to follow Auckland City FC’s journey live, as the team takes its place among the elite in world football.

Follow the Club World Cup™ live on DAZN and support Auckland City FC as they take on the world.

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Image courtesy Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei (2025)