Julian Bowden has been appointed as the new New Zealand Football President at the Annual Congress, held today in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington. 

A member of the New Zealand Football board since 2022, Bowden comes into the role recently vacated by Dr Johanna Wood who held the position since 2019, before stepping away at the conclusion of her second term on the New Zealand Football Executive Committee. 

Julian Bowden, New Zealand Football President, said:

“Firstly, I want to acknowledge Johanna and her leadership of the Executive Committee over the past seven years, she leaves an incredible legacy for the game in Aotearoa New Zealand.

“It is an honour to be elected to this position, and I thank the members for the faith they have shown in me.

“Football has always been a part of my life, so I understand the impact it has on the thousands of players, coaches, officials, administrators, and fans, and I don’t take this role lightly.

“We are in a really exciting place, but we still have enormous potential, and I’m looking forward to working with the board, guided by the new strategy, to continue to grow and develop the game.” 

Rajesh Singh was also appointed as Vice President.

Both the President and Vice President have been appointed for a two-year term, reduced from the previous four years, aligned to the changes introduced at the Extraordinary Congress in September 2025. 

The size of the Executive Committee has also reduced from ten to nine members, with future appointments aligned to a new skills matrix to ensure all aspects of the game are represented in order to further grow and develop Aotearoa’s largest team participation sport.

The Annual Congress also saw four legends of the game in Aotearoa New Zealand recognised by being appointed as Life Members: Dr Michele Cox, Ricki Herbert CNZM, Maia Jackman MNZN, and Ryan Nelsen ONZM. 

 

Maia Jackman, outgoing President Johanna Wood, Barbara Cox, and Ricki Herbert

Congress saw New Zealand Football publish their Annual Report for 2025 which confirmed a net operating deficit of $4.52m, aligned to the cyclical nature of international football ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, while presenting the 2026 budget with revenue of $43.73m and an operating surplus of $5.39m. 

Read the Annual Report 2025

New Zealand Football CEO Andrew Pragnell said:

“Firstly I want to welcome Julian as our new President and Rajesh as our Vice President.

“I have had the pleasure of working closely with them both during their time on the Executive Committee and I am looking forward to continuing to develop that relationship at a really exciting time for the game. 

“I also want to recognise the contribution of Johanna and Scott as President and Vice President who have provided real support and stability to the organisation. 

“It is also great to see Maia, Michele, Ricki, and Ryan recognised for everything they have done for the game by becoming Life Members, they have played an enormous role in making the football in New Zealand what it is today. 

“The growth and maturity of the business has been consistent with the growth of the game at community level, the expansion of the professional game in New Zealand, and our extensive international teams activity.

“We remain in a very healthy position to continue to take the game from strength to strength, whilst being sustainable and agile to increasing costs globally. 

“Football in New Zealand has never been stronger than it is right now and our potential continues to grow.”

The Executive Committee of New Zealand Football is now comprised of the following members:

Julian Bowden - President
Rajesh Singh – Vice President
Cheri-Lee Atkinson
Jackie Barron
Dana Hussey
Richard Kerr-Bell
Helen Mallon
Cam Mitchell
Scott Moran

Article added: Thursday 23 April 2026