AUCKLAND, New Zealand - In a moment that fused pride, heritage, and inspiration, Auckland City FC right-back Adam Kanui Bell returned to his roots at Mt Roskill to speak at the annual Māori graduation ceremony, a celebration of student achievement across the primary, intermediate, and secondary schools of the Mt Roskill campus.
16 October 2025
For Bell, a former student of both Mt Roskill Intermediate and Mt Roskill Grammar School, the invitation was more than ceremonial, it was a homecoming.
A Ceremony of Whānau and Legacy
Mt Roskill’s Māori graduation is a unique event that honours the journey of Māori students through the kura of the campus. It’s a celebration of community, whakapapa, and the transition from childhood to young adulthood.
Students are awarded taonga for leadership, commitment to Te Reo Māori, Kapa Haka, academic achievement, and overcoming challenges. This year, the ceremony was made even more special by the presence of Adam Bell, who stood not as a student, but as a role model.
From Backfield to Benfica: Bell’s Footballing Rise
Bell’s speech was a heartfelt reflection on his journey, from kicking a ball on the backfield at lunchtime to facing World Cup winner Ángel Di María in a FIFA Club World Cup match against SL Benfica. “I vividly remember lining up face-to-face with him,” Bell shared, “and rather than thinking about how I was about to play the most important game of my life, I had a flashback to 7-year-old me on the couch with my brothers playing FIFA on our PlayStation 3.”
His 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 belief in pursuing passion with full commitment shaped Bell’s ethos: “If you are passionate about something, whether it’s academics, sport, or the arts, you should pursue it with an effort equal to the love you have for it.”
That philosophy carried Bell from Mt Roskill’s central zone team to Auckland City FC, New Zealand’s most successful domestic club. Since joining in 2022, Bell has traveled the globe, competing in Morocco, Spain, Saudi Arabia, and the United States. His historic appearance at the FIFA Club World Cup made him the first Māori footballer to play in the tournament’s new expanded format, following in the footsteps of Ross Nicholson, who was the first Māori player to participate in any FIFA Club World Cup, facing Al Ahly and Jeonbuk Motors back in 2006 in Japan.
A Nostalgic Return to Mt Roskill
Speaking to students, Bell described the experience as “very nostalgic.” “A couple of years ago I used to walk these same halls,” he said. “I went to a graduation like this, so it’s a bit of a callback.” His message was clear: chase what you love and give it everything. “I’m a bit young,” he admitted, “but I think I do have a bit to say.”
Bell’s presence was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when Māori identity and sporting ambition are embraced together. “It’s very meaningful,” he said. “I was in the audience before, and now I’m the one giving it out, it’s crazy.”
Auckland City FC and Mt Roskill: A Growing Partnership
Bell’s journey is emblematic of the deepening ties between Auckland City FC and Mt Roskill schools. The club’s coaches regularly work with students, nurturing talent and fostering a love for the game. Auckland City FC even brought the FIFA Club World Cup trophy to Mt Roskill during its Aucklandl tour, allowing students to witness the pinnacle of football achievement up close.
Further cementing this relationship, Auckland City FC has earmarked $900,000 for its Landmark Football Pitch Project,a new artificial turf and associated facilities to be built at Mt Roskill Intermediate School. This investment is not just in infrastructure, but in the future of the community and its young athletes.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Bell’s speech closed with a quote from Tim Grover, Michael Jordan’s coach: “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 and act with mana.
As Bell continues his journey toward becoming a professional footballer, he remains grounded in his heritage and committed to inspiring others. “Hopefully I can inspire at least one person,” he said. Judging by the faces in the crowd, he already has.
Ends
