While the world celebrated on the pitch this time two years ago, the legacy off the pitch continues to grow, especially for underrepresented communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.

On 20 August, Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia marked the second anniversary of the final of the historic FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, a moment that sparked unprecedented growth for football across the motu and inspired a new generation of players and fans.

The tournament left more than memories – it laid the foundations for a legacy. Guided by a clear vision, New Zealand Football has been working to ensure the momentum lives on, with dedicated initiatives to ensure football is the most inclusive sport in the country.

A cornerstone of this work has been strengthening connections with Aotearoa’s vibrant and growing Pasifika community.

Legacy in Action

In November 2021, New Zealand Football co-designed Aotearoa United – Legacy Starts Now, a programme shaped by the community to grow the game in meaningful, sustainable ways.

At the heart of the Aotearoa United – Legacy Starts Now plan are four Pou (pillars), one of which is Whakamana – the Power of Opportunities. Whakamana is about making development programmes truly accessible and inclusive, ensuring their impact is felt across our diverse communities and football whānau.

Through Whakamana, football creates safe and culturally welcoming spaces where identities, including those of Pacific peoples, are celebrated. It opens clear pathways for participation, leadership, and stronger connections across communities.

Already, the impact is clear, with a 14% increase in Pacific people participating in football from 2023-2024, as well as a 64% increase in Pacific people in coach education and a 13% increase in Pacific people as registered referees.

With the support of the Ministry for Pacific Peoples, Talanoa (community discussions) were held across Aotearoa to hear from Pacific communities.

New Zealand Football and its regional federations have taken part in five YAVU cultural competency workshops, with more than 45 Federation and New Zealand Football staff participating across the motu, embedding inclusivity into the national and regional bodies and strengthening support for Pacific communities.

As part on the ongoing commitment to Pacific peoples, and in partnership with Federations and local communities, two football festivals were held in Auckland and Wellington, drawing in more than 500 players and 4,000 attendees. New Zealand Football also attended Pacific Community Events including Pacific Festival at Eden Park this year.

Empowering Pasifika Leadership

Aotearoa United – Legacy Starts Now is not only about participation, but also about representation, empowerment, and ensuring all voices are valued in every part of the game. For Pacific peoples, three key programmes are driving this change:

• National Pasifika in Football Leadership Programme – Developing governance and leadership pathways through a two-day onsite programme, equipping Pasifika leaders with the tools they need to thrive.
• Pasifika Referee Education Programme – Increasing representation in officiating with Pasifika-only courses and a space where Pasifika voices guide the conversation.
• National Pasifika Community Coach Developers Programme – Building Pacific coaching capability and leadership through a national two-day onsite education programme.

A Legacy That Lives On

Two years on from the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, the momentum is still building. With more Pasifika players, coaches, referees and leaders stepping into the game, the legacy continues.

Football is growing, communities are thriving, and Pasifika voices are shaping the future of the game in Aotearoa.

Article added: Wednesday 27 August 2025