Tourism New Zealand partnered with members of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei who are ahi kaa of Tāmaki Makarau Central Auckland [traditional custodians of the land] and the Football Ferns to create the invitation.

The Draw secured 16 teams who will be based in New Zealand from July 2023, including USA and Japan who are important tourism markets for New Zealand. Tens of thousands of sports fans are expected to travel to New Zealand to attend matches, providing a boost to the tourism sector over the 2023 winter season.

“The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 will be a fantastic event that will put New Zealand on the world stage and a drawcard for many fans across the globe. We were incredibly proud to work with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and the Football Ferns to share this incredibly meaningful welcome in our key markets,” says René de Monchy, Tourism New Zealand’s Chief Executive.

The welcome features members of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei at Eden Park, laying down a taki, joined by two Football Ferns, Claudia Bunge and Paige Satchell, as a formal invitation to the qualifying nations and their fans.

Graham Tipene of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, says, “the hope is that countries visiting will see the point of difference that only Māori and Aotearoa can offer.”

“I can’t wait for people to see more of Aotearoa New Zealand next year, I’m really proud to be a Kiwi and it was awesome to take part in the welcome. Standing next to the amazing group from Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and sharing our culture with the world was a humbling and powerful experience,” says Bunge.

New Zealand and Australia are co-hosting the event from 20 July to 20 August 2023 across nine host cities – the four in New Zealand are Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Dunedin.

Hosting FIFAWWC23 will generate significant social and economic benefits for New Zealand, including upgraded sporting facilities, a boost for tourism, retail and accommodation sectors and leaving a lasting legacy for women in sport.