Wednesday 15 April was a special day for women’s football in Aotearoa New Zealand, not just due to the Ford Football Ferns qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027, but also because it saw some of the key wahine who have shaped, strengthened and sustained the game recognised. 

In 2023, FIFA presented a pounamu to each of the players and staff who took part in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, all carved from the same stone. 

They also created eight pendants from the same stone for New Zealand Football, who NZF decided to use to recognise the people who contributed to making the women’s game what it is today. 

Following nominations from New Zealand Football stakeholders, and a rigorous decision process, eight of the women who have shaped football in Aotearoa were identified to receive the taonga, presented ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 Oceania Qualifiers Final in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. 

Nominated to receive a Pounamu were:

Michele Cox
Former Football Fern (1987–1998), who played a pioneering role in developing women’s football in Aotearoa New Zealand, leading key initiatives including the successful bid for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2008 and contributing to global progress through her work with FIFA.

Wendi Henderson
A trailblazer of football in New Zealand, with a 21-year international career and decades of influence as a coach and leader, helping shape pathways and opportunities for women in the game.

Sarah Gregorius
A 100-cap Football Fern, who has combined an outstanding international playing career with global leadership roles that have advanced equity and professionalism for women footballers worldwide.

Carol Waller
A pioneer of the Football Ferns, who was the goalkeeper in New Zealand’s first women’s international in 1975 and has since dedicated a lifetime to serving and advocating for the game.

Rowena Fulham
Contributed to the game over 40 years as a player and coach, playing a key role in developing women’s football and building lasting pathways in Canterbury.

Gail Hall
A lifetime of service to football across multiple roles, supporting generations of players and driving participation in the women’s game at all levels.

Annalie Longo
One of New Zealand’s most accomplished footballers, the 144 cap Fern has also made a major impact off the field through leadership in player development and growing opportunities for women and girls.

Barbara Cox
A founding figure of women’s football in Aotearoa, and captain of New Zealand’s first women’s international team in 1975, who has continued to champion the game as a scholar and advocate.

Article added: Thursday 23 April 2026